June Ito Kangiku Sanjo

June Ito Kangiku Sanjo
February 08, 1940 – April 28, 2019

June was born in Los Angeles, California to Toshikazu Riichi “Jimmie” Ito and Alice Tomie Ito. When June was 2 years old, the war took them to the internment camp, Manzanar.

At the age of 4, June began Japanese Classical Dance lessons. At the age of 9, she came under the tutelage of Kanya Sanjo V, then known as Miharu Bando.

At the age of 16, she reached the profession status known as “natori”. She taught Japanese Classical Dance for many years and was preparing for this year’s 79th Nisei Week Festival as choreographer and leader.

June had a long career as a legal secretary. After many years, using her skills as a legal secretary, she was able to work in Tokyo, Japan. There, she enjoyed her time expanding her knowledge of Japanese Classical Dance and Japanese culture. June had a great passion and knowledge of the Japanese culture and its customs. What she most desired was to pass this on to future generations.

June is survived by her sister, Sally Mori (Tom) and their children, Janice Whitfield (Marlon) and Howard Mori, two grandnieces Ashley Mori and Kaiya Whitfield, grandnephew Maxim Whitfield and many cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Quiet Cannon Skyview Room in Montebello on Sunday, May 19 at
11 am.