Yoko Oki Obituary

YOKO OKI 94, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, in Honolulu. Born in Kyoto, Japan, Yoko moved to Tokyo as a young girl and later trained in drama and dance at the renowned Butai Geijutsu Gakuin. While attending school, Yoko worked part-time at a restaurant where she met Herbert Oki, a young soldier from Hawaii stationed in Japan. Impressing her with his local-boy charm, Herbert married Yoko and brought her home to Honolulu. A fearless businesswoman and entrepreneur, Yoko began her career selling cosmetics door-to-door, despite speaking little English. She soon became a Japanese radio DJ and TV personality. First working at KIKI Radio, she later worked at KOHO Radio, KIKU TV and KZOO Radio. In time, she established her own advertising/marketing company. Yoko was passionate about perpetuating the arts and cultural exchange. She promoted Japanese dance, stage productions, travel guides, festivals, etc. She did all this too while raising a family, often alone, as Herbert worked off island to earn more money. Nothing could stop her indomitable spirit. Yoko remained active well after retirement and cherished her connections in Hawaii's Japanese community. She loved composing poetry, singing and listening to Douyo (Japanese children's songs), and to anyone who would play the piano for her. Yoko will be fondly remembered for her rich and beautiful radio voice, her unwavering optimism, and her enduring tenacity. Yoko is preceded in death by husband, Herbert, and son, Miles. She is survived by her children: Dr. Alan (Karen) Oki, Russell (Yayoi) Oki, and Sally (Michael) Fujita; grandchildren: Kelly (Nate), Tiana, Dayton, Camryn, and Mia; and great-grandchild, Ari. Services will be held on June 21, 2025, at Hosoi at 4p.m. Visitation at 3p.m. The family requests no flowers. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary