I received word this morning that Tokyo photographer Hiroshi Hanamura is traveling Route 66 again. He met up with a bunch of Illinois roadies at the Dell Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook, Ill., on Tuesday night.
Illinois Route 66 Association President Catherine Stevanovich wrote:
Mr. Hanamura starts a 2 week trip down Route 66. Hiroshi has traveled extensively on Route 66 in the past and has published books and photographs in Japan about the beloved Mother Road.
Mr. Hiroshi had met Frank Lozich, Jeff Meyer, and others when he was in Illinois in 1993 – in fact he even joined in the Route 66 Association of Illinois Motor Tour that year!!! […]
Hiroshi said he was looking forward to seeing all the new preservation work that has been going on along the road since his last visit. Mr. Hanamura also talked about the possibility of his returning soon to do a photo study of Route 66 in winter.
Hiroshi Hanamura will be traveling, photographing, and renewing old friendships as he makes his way to California on the route he loves best.
Joining the Illinois association in 1993 … that makes Hanamura among the very early roadies.
Here’s a good YouTube video that serves as a compilation of Hanamura’s images:
Just trying to say Hi to my old friend Hiroshi, who sublet a room in Pasadena CA from me in 1986 for a few months while he was visiting the US (allegedly to practice English). Our place was 2 blocks from Colorado Blvd, which is part of Route 66. (I’ve moved since then, but I’m still in Pasadena.)
Regards,
Steve
What a great message! I shared a room with Steve when I studied English at the Evens in downtown L.A. Yes, he is one of my oldest friend in Unites States. After finishing the Route-66 travel, I am hanging around in Pasadena now. If you get this message, contact with me.
Sorry for domolishing your pan by putting it into a microwave twenty years ago.
Hiro(Hiroshi Hanamura)