Akiko Ogawa Obituary

AKIKO MAMA OGAWA In Loving Memory Mama was born on January 2, 1934, in Tokyo, Japan. A prodigy in Ikebana, she represented her country as a member of the Japanese delegation at the 1964 World's Fair in New York and the youngest Ikebana master to help establish its first overseas branch. Her journey later brought her to Honolulu, where she became one of the first Japanese teachers at Kaiser High School. Alongside her teaching career, she remained devoted to the arts and taught Ikebana and Cha no Yu through Urasenke, sharing her passion and culture with many. A visionary entrepreneur, Mama founded several businesses throughout her remarkable career, including Matsuri Sushi, Royal Hawaiian Fitness, and Galerie Lassen. She is remembered for her creativity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family. You would never catch her without a smile. She is survived by her three children, Kazumi, Yasuo, and Thomas, and her beloved grandchildren, Luke and Leah. Services to celebrate her extraordinary life will be held on January 4 at Diamond Head Mortuary at 11 am. Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel