NikkeiWest--Northern California Japanese American Newspaper

Kaz Izumi, born Aug. 9, 1923, in Monterey, California, passed away on June 2, at the age of 86, in Sacramento, where he resided since 1946. Kaz moved from Monterey to Terminal Island at the age of 10. Kaz attended San Pedro High School until he was forced by the U.S. Government to relocate to Sacramento, CA, due to World War II and Executive Order 9066, and ended up at the Walerga Assembly Center, then assigned to the Tulelake Internment Camp. During this time, Kaz was very active in weightlifting. In 1952, he was a member of the Yarick’s Gym Barbell Team of Oakland, and won the California State and Junior National Weightlifting Championships in his weight division. Unfortunately again because of the internment, although he completed high school in 1942, he did not receive his diploma until the year 2004 when the State law passed for Californians removed from high school during World War II and sent to internment camps were to be granted diplomas. After spending an undeserving 4 years there, Kaz returned to Sacramento and married his wife of 63 years, Louise; and, accepted a position with the State of California Employment Development Department. Kaz became a supervisor in the Computer Operations Unit, until his retirement 38 years later. Survived by his wife of 63 years, Louise Matsuye; son, Eric Akira Izumi (Irene), and daughter, Sharon Akiko Cynthia Izumi-Matsuhiro (Ronald); grandson, Damiano Akio Izumi Lanoza, granddaughters, Dominique Sachiko Midori Izumi Matsuhiro, and Kianna Mitsuko Izumi Matsuhiro; nephew, Hiroshi Izumi (Louise); brother and sisters-in-law, Bessie Hatsuye Nakano, Dorothy Misuye Kunisaki, Toshio James Matsuura (Betty), Sumi Honda, Jean Matsuura, Phyllis Haruko Matsuura, Labelle Matsuura, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by Kaz’s parents, Kunigoro and Kosan Izumi; brother, Kiyoshi Paul Izumi and sister, Shizu Izumi; sister and brothers-in-law, Hisako Izumi, Eddie Nakano, Fred Kunisaki, Shiro Matsuura, Setsu Harvey Matsuura, and Tokio Ronald Matsuura; and nephew, Isamu Izumi.

Sumiko Doi, resident of San Jose, passed away after a brief illness on June 19. She was born in 1924 in Concord. She was the beloved wife of Mas Doi for 50 years, loving mother to Gayle (Koli) Boesch and Steven Doi. Loving sister to the late Tsuyako (Choji) Ajari, Misako (the late George) Yamaoka, Kazuko (Albert) Okuno, Evelyn (Ted Komaki) and loving auntie to numerous nieces and nephews.

Shizuko Sato died peacefully on July 4. Shizuko was born on July 30, 1912 in Berkeley, California, the eldest of seven children to Kurasaburo and Kikuyo Fujii, who had emigrated from Fukuoka, Japan.  Shizuko and sister, Yuriko were educated in Japan until their return to the US in 1929.  After internment during WW II in Topaz, Utah, Shizuko was married to Yoshio Sato in New York in 1945 and later returned with Yoshio to Berkeley and helped grow the University Nursery, a successful bonsai business.  They closed the business in 1973 to retire. Shizuko is predeceased by Yoshio but is survived by sisters Vickie Yumoto (John, dec.), Haruko Hayashida (Akira, dec), Michiko Uchida (Kiyoshi, dec), brothers Naoki (Francis) and Hayami (Phyllis).  A family memorial service has been held. Shizuko is interred with Yoshio at the Sunset Cemetery and Mortuary in El Cerrito, California.

Jun Akagi, 87, resident of Oakland, passed away on July 5 at Summit Medical Center due to complications following hip surgery. Jun was born on May 23, 1923, the youngest of six children to Kosaburo and Yae Akagi. He was raised in Berkeley and Stockton and spent most of his adult life in Oakland. He graduated from Berkeley High School in December 1941, later sent to War Relocation Authority assembly centers at Tanforan, and Topaz (Utah). He later relocated to Salt Lake City and Chicago where he worked as a welder in war-related plants. Early into WWII he volunteered for the Army but was refused because of his ancestry. He was drafted in 1945 and was stationed in Korea. After returning to the States he met and married Bessie Katsuko Takahashi of Loomis, CA. He successfully operated gasoline stations (Signal, Enco, Texaco) and partnered in the Diggery Inn and the Oakland Grill restaurants. He was a quiet loving family man who worked hard to provide for his family and give his children opportunities he did not have. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, tinkering on cars, and doing “nothing.” He was preceded in death by his brothers George, Yasuo, Mitsuro, Tamatsu, sister Terry, and son-in-law Lloyd Takahashi. He is survived by his beloved wife Bessie of 56 years, four children, Wayne (Mayumi), Daniel (Sandia), Jacqueline, and Collyn (Tran). He is survived by his seven grandchildren Thomas, Naomi, Darcie, Raymond, and Katie Akagi, Jacob and Kimiko Takahashi.

Shizue Tsushima, born Feb. 3, 1932 in Manchuria, China to Shomatsu and Shima Miyamoto. Shizue endured a brief battle with ovarian cancer and passed on July 11 in Roseville at the age of 78. She is survived by her brother Reverend Akinori Miyamoto, sister Akiko Fukushima, husband retired MSgt Mitsuo Tsushima, and son Richard (Cheryl) Tsushima. Shizue was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, and friend. She enjoyed her friends and family and had many hobbies including flower arranging, sewing, puzzles, reading, watching TV, and cooking.

Mitsuye Kato, resident of Berkeley, passed away on July 12 in Oakland. Born on Jan. 26, 1926 in Sacramento. She is survived by her husband of 58 years Kazuo; daughters Cindy (Aki Yanaba), Kathy (Robert) Yamamoto and son Kevin. Grandmother to Rick and Michelle Yamamoto. Predeceased by Ichiro (Hisako) Nishimura. Survived by Tatsuo (Rosa), Jimmie and Ko (Judy) Nishimura; Chieko (late Masao) Yayesaki, Jeanette (Shigeru) Tsujita and Keiko Kono. Also, predeceased by in-laws; Mitsuko (Takeo) Tachiki, Tsugio (Marian) Kato. Survived by Kikue (late Miles Noboru) Suda, Mariko (Isamu) Yoneyama and Yoshiko (late Shoso) Sasaki. Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Carl Kaoru Kawamoto surrounded by family and listening to his favorite Japanese songs, passed away peacefully in his Mill Valley home on July 12. Carl’s father and mother emigrated from Japan to Mill Valley in the early 1900’s. Born Jan. 8, 1919 in a house on Bayview Avenue, Carl spent his early childhood in Mill Valley. When he was 2 years old, the family moved back to Japan. He attended school there and earned his fourth degree black belt in Kendo. At 16, Carl moved back to Mill Valley and lived with a relative on Bernard Street. He attended Tamalpais High School and studied mechanical drafting at Heald Engineering College in San Francisco before being drafted into the United States Army as a medical technician stationed in the Northern Mariana Islands. Carl met his wife, Shizuko Fujita, when they were introduced by mutual friends. He built their present house on Greene Street. With his brother John, Carl built houses throughout Marin County and beyond. Shizuko and Carl belonged to the Marin Nakayoshi Club, and were two of the founding members of the Buddhist Temple of Marin, which they continued to support in many ways, including the preparation and sale of the popular teriyaki chicken dinners at the annual Obon Festival. Carl’s interests included fishing, clam digging, abalone hunting, birdwatching, and following his favorite baseball team, the Giants. Carl was always strong and fit, taking two- to four-mile hikes along Richardson Bay or to Tennessee Valley Beach, even at the age of 91. Carl often performed at Marin Karaoke Club performances at the Marin Civic Center. His love of singing was revealed to the world when he was a guest contestant on a 2002 NHK Television amateur singing contest, which was broadcast here in the US and in Japan. Carl found the energy to sing for his fellow members at a recent club meeting even when he was in waning health, and he practiced his newest song just two days before his death. Carl is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shizuko Kawamoto, daughter Sandra Yaeko Goto and her husband Hans Goto, son Gerald Rikio Kawamoto and his wife Alison Anne Quoyeser of Mill Valley, and three grandchildren, Stacey Harumi Goto, Garrett Matsuo Goto, and Nicholas James Kaoru Kawamoto. His other surviving relatives include his brother, John Kiyoshi Kawamoto, of Mill Valley, and sister Matsuko Yoshizaki and brother Hideo Kawamoto of Hiroshima, Japan. Family and friends are invited to attend Carl’s memorial service at the Buddhist Temple of Marin, 390 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley on Aug. 21, at 11 a.m. Donations in his name may be given to the Buddhist Temple of Marin or Hospice By the Bay, Marin.

Harry Hideo Hiromoto was born on Jan. 31, 1916, in Courtland, Calif., and passed peacefully on July 12, at the age of 94. Harry farmed tomatoes in Yolo County for over 35 years. He recently was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Hiromoto of 61 years, father to Stanley, Jane, Naomi (husband Kenneth Mori) and Grandfather to Danielle and Michelle. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service conducted by the Sacramento Branch of Tensho-Kotai-Jingu-Kyo, on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 3 p.m. at the Sacramento Memorial Lawn, 6100 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, Calif. Family request no flowers or koden.

Katsumi Nishimura, born in Oakland, Calif., passed away on July 14, at age 97 in Sacramento. She will be missed by her daughter Lora, son Dean (Linda Joy), and granddaughters Amanda and Shannon.

Craney “Connie” Ogata, born April 7, 1921 in Santa Clara, died July 15 in Los Gatos.

John Dennis Kenzo Komaru, born in Los Angeles on Dec. 29, 1962, John passed away at age 47 on July 16 in San Diego. John grew up in Los Angeles and attended Loyola High School, graduating in 1981. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UC Berkeley in City Planning and Transportation Engineering in 1986 and 1988. John enjoyed living in Oakland and working in San Francisco. John lived true to the Blue and Gold, attending every home game played by Cal’s football and basketball teams. He enjoyed watching professional sports, especially his favorites: the Cowboys, Lakers, and Angels. One of John’s greatest passions was fishing, from freshwater to bay fishing, but especially long range fishing. He enjoyed classic cars, horse racing, gambling, dining, and just about any activity that involved spending time with his friends and family. John is survived by his beloved sisters, Karrie and Leslie in Southern California. He was a devout Catholic.

Takashi (Tak) Jio, 66, resident of Gilroy, born Feb. 3, 1944 in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on July 18. Survived by his loving wife Carol of 41 years, daughter Elizabeth, son Christopher, son-in-law Chris, grandsons Nathaniel and Ryan, mother-in-law Beatrice, sister Ats, brothers Rich, Ken and Mori, sister-in-laws Louise, Donna and Carole, brother-in-laws George, James and Ken and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents Matsugoro and Iwano, two brothers and three sisters Miyuki, Fumi and Yuri and father-in-law Fred. Talented landscaper of 51 years, retiring from Stanford University after six years. Wonderful husband, adored father, cherished grandfather and loved brother and uncle. Tak loved spending time with his family and friends, camping, fishing, gardening and his pets. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Steve Morio Taketa was born Aug. 9, 1926, in Sacramento to Kumajiro and Hisano Taketa, both natives of Japan. He passed away on July 19 at the age of 83 due to natural causes. He is survived by Sadako, his wife of 46 years, daughters Sherri Mullins and Sally McSwain, son Scott Taketa and five grandchildren. Steve lived his entire life in Sacramento where he worked as a carpenter.

June Minato, resident of San Jose, passed away on July 19 following a brief illness. She is survived by a brother, Katsuji Minato, and sisters, Hatsue Shiroyama, Sumi Takagi, and Norma Ando. She leaves behind nieces, nephews, and dear friends. June graduated from San Jose State College, received her Master’s degree from Smith College, and worked until her retirement at the Santa Clara County Department of Social Services. She enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge, and solving crossword puzzles. A private service is planned.

Ichiji Yanaba, resident of Berkeley, born Dec. 17, 1919 and entered into rest July 20, in Mountain View, CA at the age of 90. Preceded in death by his wife Fumiko Yanaba, daughter June Noriko Yanaba, and son Gerald Kaz Yanaba. Survived by his daughter Kathy Mieko Nakano (Ken); and sons Alan Aki Yanaba (Cindy), and Mike Yanaba (Pam); granddaughters Kristi and Kelsey Nakano. Also survived by sister Sachiye Toyofuku (Kiyoji); nieces and nephews.

Kayo Hamada Tong lost her brave battle with ovarian cancer on July 24. Kayo was born and lived her entire life in San Francisco, except for four years in Japanese American internment camps during World War II, and two years working for the U.S. Dept. of the Army in Japan. She started her career with the U.S. Government working for the Social Security Administration, transferred to the U.S. Dept. of the Army, returned to work for the Social Security Administration and retired at the ripe old age of 47. Kayo and her husband (Richard Michael Tong) enjoyed life together for the next 30 years until his death in 2008. She is survived by her two sons (Michael S. Tong an Inst. Police Officer, Richard V. Tong, a Sports Media Mgr., and his partner Rick), loving companion Karl an Italian Greyhound, and niece Vanita Louie a daughter she never had. Also survived by many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Predeceased by her only sister (Kiyo Hamada Shintani).

Michie Jean Esaki, 86, passed away at home on July 25 after a brief illness. She was a long-time Monterey Peninsula resident and active member of the Monterey Buddhist Temple and the Japanese American Citizens League. For the past ten years after her retirement, she volunteered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, working for public relations as an archivist, enjoyed gardening, oil painting and line dancing at the Monterey Seniors Center, and traveled to Japan, Europe and many destinations in the U.S. She was a devoted San Francisco Giants fan for more than 50 years. Born April 8, 1924, in Gardena, California, Jean grew up working on the Oishi family produce farm. In 1942, shortly after she graduated from Gardena High School, the U.S. government ordered her family and thousands of other Japanese Americans to report to the Assembly Center at Santa Anita Racetrack and then to Gila River, Arizona, for the duration of World War II. It was there that she met her future husband, George Teruo Esaki. After release at the war’s end in 1945, she was employed as a housekeeper and nanny in San Marino, California, by a sympathetic former teacher. Jean and George married in 1946 and moved to Monterey where the Esaki family had lived since the 1920s. They raised two sons, John and Howard, and helped guide and support them to complete college educations. In the 1950s, Jean helped George run Esaki’s Photo Shop on Alvarado Street until the area was redeveloped in the 1960s. She also worked as a bookkeeper at Kaz Oka Insurance, Defense Language Institute Credit Union and Green & Jesperson. In 1996 Jean and George celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with many of their longtime friends and family. Jean is survived by her sons, John (Amy E. Kato) and Howard (Robin Demagistris); her sister, Kay Seki of Gardena; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George and two sisters, Kiyoko and Emiko.

Gary Nishite passed away on July 25. A Sacramento native, born on June 5, 1941. Loving husband of Julie Nishite for 16 years. Adored father of Craig Nishite, Traci (Scott) Sauer and Corey Fujita. Cherished grandfather of Kelsie and Kylie Nishite and Caitlyn Sauer. Special son of Dorothy Nishite and brother of Violet (Charlie) Sakran, Pansy (Norman) Wong, Barbara (Mo) Ueda and Richard (Shigemi) Nishite. He is also survived by his nieces and nephew. In his lifetime, he enjoyed fishing, bowling, softball, golf, basketball, coffee with friends, and breakfast with friends and family. He was preceded in death by his father Isamu Nishite and daughter-in-law Kelly Nishite. Gary worked for over 40 years for the DMV.

Shizuka Torabayashi, 92, a long-time resident of Monterey, sadly passed away on July 27, after a long illness. Born in West Point, Utah on June 4, 1918, to the parents of Kikujiro and Mikino Yokomizo, she was known as “Shiz” by her friends and family. Shiz and her husband, Willie moved to the Monterey Peninsula in the early 1950s. Shiz worked for Couroc of Monterey for many years. After retiring from Couroc, Shiz became a successful consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics and worked her way to Director status. While many would consider this work, Shiz thoroughly enjoyed her years with Mary Kay mostly for all of the contact that she had with people and the friendships she made. In her spare time, Shiz enjoyed being involved in the community. She was an active member of the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Church. She and her husband Willie donated their time supporting the Young Buddhists Association (YBA) for many years as advisors and chaperones. Shiz was an avid dancer and loved spending the evening dancing with her husband, Willie. Her love for people often found her welcoming Japanese Naval Officers from the Naval Post Graduate School into her home for a traditional home-cooked meal. She will be remembered for kindness, generosity and love of people. Shiz is survived by her sister, Isao Tsuruda of Walnut Creek; and sisters-in-law, Mary Yokomizo of Monterey and Norma Yokomizo of Carmel. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie; her brothers, Yoshio Yokomizo and Shigeo Yokomizo; her sisters, Chiyoka Nuki and Midori Chin.

Kenge Takahashi passed away on July 28.  Dearly beloved husband of the late Sachiko Takahashi. Devoted father of Gene (Phylis), Norma (Charles), Jack (Karrie), and Anne (Wilbur).  Loving grandfather of Stacy, Bobby, and Samantha Takahashi.  Predeceased by his brother Noboru Takahashi and sisters Tsuya Takahashi and Masa Oida.  Also survived by his nephew Yukio Oida and his cousins, Shig (Best) Takahashi and Moto (Tazu) Takahashi. A native of San Mateo, Kenge was born on Nov. 24, 1920. Growing up, he helped his father and sister by working at the family market, which began his long life of service to the Japanese community. Like other Japanese Americans, he was interned in various camps during World War II.  During the war, Kenge volunteered and served in the all Nisei 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat team.  He returned to San Mateo after the war to reopen the family market, and in 1950 he married Sachiko Miyahara of San Francisco.  She began helping at the market and worked for over 30 years alongside her loving husband before retiring.  Kenge was an avid fisherman and ham radio operator but he will be remembered mostly by family and friends for his strong work ethic and his devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Hiroyuki Oshima, resident of San Mateo, passed away July 29 in San Bruno at the age of 83. He was born on Nov. 11, 1923 in Isleton, California. Preceded in death by his wife Katsuko Susie and survived by Brothers Yoshiki (Mary) and Hideo (Ellen); sister Dorothy (Haruo, dec.) Oshima and many nieces and nephews. He served in the US Army and retired from United Airlines as an aircraft mechanic.

Chieko Endo resident of Oakland, passed away on July 30, after a short, courageous battle with cancer at the age of 80 surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her loving husband Roy R. Endo. She is survived by her sons Clifford (Lillian), Norman (Loris), Donald (Kathy), and Michael; and granddaughters Jessica, Kelsey, and Kaitlin. Also survived by brother George (Fumiye) Ninomiya. She was a devout and active member of the Buddhist Church of Oakland and also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Sadako Kawamoto, 82, resident of Hayward, a member of the Southern Alameda Buddhist Church, passed away on July 30. Born in Hiroshima, Japan, she immigrated to the Bay Area with her husband George Kawamoto and their two young children in November of 1959. While raising a family, she had a long career in the flower nursery industry. In her spare time she enjoyed practicing ikebana, cooking and dressmaking amongst her many hobbies. She is survived by her son, Richard Kawamoto and his wife Jerrolynn of Colorado; daughter, Ann Kawamoto and her husband Scott Steppan of Florida; grandchildren Steven Kawamoto and his wife Kari of Michigan and Cristina Kawamoto of Florida, and one great-grandchild Connor.

Josephine Sadako (Ogata) Hoshiko, resident of Sunnyvale, born on Jan. 23, 1918 in Hayward, passed away on July 30, at her home in Sunnyvale at the age of 92. She enjoyed fishing, crossword puzzles, playing cards, gardening, bowling, the SF Giants and taking trips with her family. Preceded in death by her husband Akira and son Ron. Mother of Ken (Fran) Hoshiko of Los Altos, Helene (Jim) Kawaye of Santa Rosa; mother-in-law of Mary Hoshiko Haughey (Norman) of Morgan Hill; grandmother to Audrey Kawaye (Derek) Seo, Brent Kawaye, Nicole & Logan Hoshiko; great grandmother to Ryan & Kyle Seo. Sister of John Ogata of Texas, late Mary (late Frank) Yoshikawa of Sunnyvale, late Frank (Kiyo) Ogata of Sunnyvale, Mas (Michi) Ogata of Fremont, late Dorothy (Tad) Horino of Mountain View, late Betty Ogata of Mountain View, Mollie (Roy) Miyamoto of Sun Valley, CA, George Ogata of Sunnyvale, Rosie (Haruo) Yamaji of Mountain View, Grace (late William) Iwanaga of San Martin, Emilie (Seiji) Nakamoto of Fremont, late Hank (Sumi) Ogata of Mountain View. Auntie Josie to many nieces and nephews.

Allyson Joy Kumataka, resident of Sunnyvale, passed away on July 30. Allyson was born May 12, 1947 in Selma, graduated from McLane High School in Fresno, and received her B.A. degree from California State University, Fresno. She moved to the Bay Area in 1977 and worked in various positions in the high-tech industry. She enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Allyson is survived by her life partner, Ted Richardson; her mother, Tomiko Kumataka; her daughter, Kristen Suzuki; her sisters, Judy Gehman, Linda Kimura and Leslie Perez; and her brother, Galen Kumataka. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her vitality, perseverance and independent spirit.

Gary Wayne Kozono, resident of Oakland, passed away on July 31 at the age of 57. Gary was born in Sacramento and was raised on the family farm in West Sacramento. After completing Marshall High School, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1975 with a degree in Sociology. Since then, he has worked in the hotel and restaurant industry in San Francisco for 34 years, most recently as a banquet waiter at the Four Seasons Hotel. In addition to working in the industry, Gary was a respected leader and activist in Local 2 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union. He served as a shop steward and as a long-standing member of Local 2’s Executive Committee and Contract Negotiating Committee. This past year, he sorely missed walking picket lines, attending rallies, and chronicling those events with his camera. Gary loved to cook, share good wine, and listen to a wide array of music. His most recent passion was working on his golf game. But above all, Gary was a devoted father and husband; a loving son, brother and uncle; and loyal friend to many. Gary leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Marlene Tonai; children Brian and Jamie; father Ard Aven Kozono of Sacramento; brother Don Kozono of Kaneohe, Hawaii, and sister Patty Mackenroth of Mountain View, California.

Jack S. Ishida, 90, passed away peacefully on July 31 at his home surrounded by his children after a brief hospitalization. Jack was born March 17, 1920 in Sonora, CA and grew up in Ceres, CA. During WWII he was relocated to Colorado where he met his wife of 63 years. After they were married the couple returned to Modesto where Jack was a lifelong farmer growing straw- berries, almonds, and other crops. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of Salida until he retired. During his “retirement” he enjoyed bowling and golf with fellow farmer friends. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grand- father, brother, uncle, and friend, who will be missed for his kind, gentle spirit and sense of humor. He is survived by his wife Masako; children, Cheryl (husband Dale Berner), Barbara, Daniel (wife La Donna) and Tim; brother Noboru (wife Fumiko); sister Haruko Nakagawa; and grandchildren Christopher and Catherine Berner.

Samuel M. Takahashi, 93, of Modesto is survived by his wife Lily.