WAKA was born Waka Odaira in Tochiki Prefecture, Japan on January 2 1952 as  6 ^TH of  7  siblings to the  Parents of  Shoichi Odaira  (Father,) whose  lineage can be traced to the feudal domain for Takeda Shingen Clan of Kai) , and Mother, Kezuka  Moto  ( from Sendai, Iwate Prefecture (former Date Han). With both parents deceased, Waka is survived  by Mr Shintaro Odaira, Mrs Yoko Kaneshiro, Mrs. Teruko Kawana, Mrs. Ikko Nageshima, Mr. Hachiro Odaira, and Mrs. Mutsuko Sato in greater Tokyo, Japan. Waka was formerly trained in a Medical science but pursued a career as international telephone operator for a midsize Corporation (Toyo Engineering Corp of Japan). In time her fortunes brought her to American.

Waka met her surviving husband, a 4 ^th generation Japanese American in both Japan and Honolulu, Hawaii prior to marriage in May 27, 1978.  Husband, whose great grand-parents  immigrated from Hiroshima Prefecture to Islands of Hawaii at the turn of the 20 ^th century was born and raised in the  Island of Hawaii (State of Hawaii today)  and since settled in Los Angeles, California.

Waka is survived by a daughter, Shirley Sakamoto, currently married to Mr. Tim Chung and residing in  Fremont, California. Both involved in high technology development in Silicon Valley or Santa Clara, California.

Waka and husband of 48 years reside in Lancaster, California. Waka passed away peacefully in Antelope Valley Hospital after a long illness needing critical care. The couple enjoyed many weekend trips to Little Tokyo Los,  Angeles, and in the South Bay as Gardena and Torrance for cultural activities, shopping, and dining. Waka's greatest passion -  pursuit of both reading and book learning.

There is private funeral service to be held at Fukui Mortuary with internment scheduled at a later date once the Stay in Home order is rescinded.The family requests no flowers or koden. If folks feel compelled to make a gift, the family would suggest a donation to the Tochiki KenjinKai of Los Angeles. Both spouses held membership in the association.