Michiyo Nakayama, 79-year-old resident of Los Angeles, passed away at her home on June 19, 2025. Michi was born on Independence Day, 1945, at the Rohwer, Ark. Relocation Center, a euphemism for the concentration camp where her parents and siblings, along with all West Coast residents of Japanese descent, were incarcerated during World War II. Her early life was spent living in Boyle Heights, where she attended Roosevelt H.S. and Cal State L.A. University. Michi was kind, intelligent, gentle, creative, and fun. She loved her Dodgers, staying up until 3 a.m. to watch them play live in Japan. She loved all kinds of music: oldies, light jazz, ’70s rock, and even modern country.
Michiyo was preceded in death by her parents, (Frank) Tomojiro and Masako Kariya Nakayama; and her brother, Tomoki. She is survived by brothers, Takeshi (Pat) Nakayama and Makoto (Lily) Nakayama; sisters, Yoshiko (Wallace) Fong and Kikuko Nakayama; nephew, Gregory (Melba) Fong; nieces, Michelle (Rick) Parent, Cindy Fong (Merv DeGuzman), Mitzi (David) Yamashita, Kelli Nakayama (Jay Yamakawa) and Whitney Nakayama (Dexter Yu); and six grand-nephews and two-grand nieces who miss their beloved fun auntie. A family celebration of Michiyo’s life will be held at a later date.