MRS. LAK NGOR
BORN IN 1927 IN TAKEO, PASSED AWAY IN 2021 IN KANAGAWA

Lak Ngor was one of 15 Cambodian refugees who arrived in Japan in 1980. This photograph was taken at one of the retirement centers in Kanagawa,

in February 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
I had the opportunity to take photos of a family member and one of the first former Cambodian refugees who arrived in Japan in 1980.
The photos were taken at the retirement center where Lak Ngor was staying. After the photo shoot, it was time to say goodbye. I said, "Goodbye!" to her.

I then had a strange feeling through her smile and eyes. It seemed like a sign that it would be my last chance to see her.
Later, with the spread of Covid-19 infection, all retirement centers were required to close their doors to visitors from family members.
A year later, I learnt that Lak Ngor had passed away on August 18, 2021 at the retirement center in Kanagawa.

Another living witness of history disappeared …