Our Sachiko passed away peacefully at her home in Arcadia on February 9, 2026, at the age of 94. She was the heart of our family—the one who made sure we were always fed, always loved, and always greeted with a big hug.

Sachiko was born in Kumamoto, Japan, on August 13, 1931. She was the youngest of four children born to Katsuma Kagawa, a Major in the Japanese Imperial Army, and Shigeko Kagawa. Growing up in Kumamoto alongside her sister, Chiyoko, and her brothers, Tadayuki and Tomohiro, she attended Izumi Elementary School and was a champion high school swimmer. She met her husband, Satoru, while working at her mom’s store. After marrying in 1950, they began their family with the birth of Masaru, followed by Mary Etsuko.

In 1955, they made the brave journey to Los Angeles to build their future. Shortly after finding their footing in a new country, they welcomed their third child, John Hiroshi. Sachiko & Satoru took the family on adventures like the LA Zoo, Disneyland, and Yosemite. Sachiko also took young Hiroshi to proudly introduce him to Grandma Shigeko in Kumamoto, just years before she passed away.

Sachiko was the steadfast support behind Satoru’s career as a celebrated Shigin (traditional poetry) singer and teacher. Together, they remained vibrantly active in the Japanese American community. She traveled back to Japan every October for Satoru's conferences, but these trips were most importantly a time to return to her roots.

She remained devoted pen pals with her childhood friend, Michiko, throughout her entire life. Sachiko used these annual visits to reconnect with her, attend reunions with her old Izumi Elementary classmates, and visit her mother, siblings and other family in Kumamoto.

In their retirement, Sachiko and Satoru also shared a love for seeing the world, enjoying cruises to Canada & Hawaii and exploring the United Kingdom. Of all their travels, Hokkaido, Japan remained their favorite destination.

Sachiko was a woman of immense talent and a tireless work ethic, spending over 25 years as a pearl jeweler at Shima Pearl. We knew her best through her hospitality. She was a legendary home cook, and her Japanese New Year’s feasts are a highlight of our core memories.

She was a woman of great integrity who was truly obliging to all. Even in her later years when the cooking stopped, her first instinct was always to ask if we were hungry and made sure we had something to eat. We later discovered she also had a secret love for the simple joy of eating out—especially at King’s Hawaiian.

Sachiko liked cats, shopping trips, and most of all, introducing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to friends & family. We will never forget our shopping trips to Marukai in Gardena and Yaohan Plaza in J-town, our Wednesday after-school visits to her house, and the way she always had Japanese sweets and a small gift tucked away for us.

Sachiko had an unwavering kindness and happy attitude that provided the foundation for us all. We will forever remember her delicious meals and the warm, steady way she simply made everything better for us.

Sachiko is survived by her three children: Masaru (Helen), Mary Etsuko (Manuel Robledo), and John Hiroshi. She was a devoted grandmother to Jade Mieko Robledo, Nadine Sachiko (Benson Hsu), and Thor Masaru (Eleisha); and a proud great-grandmother to Kristy Kazumi, Elise Harumi, Sabine Chiemi, Callista Terumi, Caleb, and Cameron. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Meiko (Paris Smith), and many relatives in Japan.

On March 7, 2026, Sachiko will be laid to rest in Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, California 90601; Cherry Blossom Urn Gardens; Gate: 10, Section: B, Lot: B76, Grave: B76.