Yasukazu Takushi

Yasukazu Takushi was born in 1932, in Maui, Hawaii. However, his family moved to Okinawa when he was two. While growing up he participated in various sports, including volleyball and running track. He served as a school teacher for sports, math and Japanese.

In 1957, Yasukazu moved to Los Angeles. He began making his living as a gardener, while also starting a family. With his wife of 37 years Noriko, he had three children, Eric, Jocelyn and Miki. He also became a member of what was then called the Okinawa Club of America.

Throughout his life, he continued to study Okinawan culture through dance and sanshin, eventually becoming a sanshin sensei. His support of the Okinawan community included serving as the president of the Hokubei Okinawa Kenjinkai, the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai, and the Nomura Ryu Classical Music Association USA.

In 1977, he established an import and export business, Ryukyu Enterprises, focusing on equipment for karate and other martial arts. He was always proud of bringing products from Okinawa to the United States.

After retiring from Ryukyu Enterprises, Yasukazu devoted much of his time continuing to teach sanshin and actively participating in Okinawan cultural shows and events each year.

In addition to his brother, children, nieces, nephews and various in-laws, Yasukazu’s family now includes two grandchildren, Gavin and Kalia.

Yasukazu Takushi passed away peacefully on April 17, 2021 with his family at his side. A private service was held on Saturday, May 8 at Nishi Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Los Angeles.