November 12,1939 – June 28, 2026
Iku Kiriyama wore many hats during her life, but her curiosity and passion for education were perhaps the common thread that connected everything. She was a beloved English and Japanese language teacher at Monroe High School, co-founder of the Japanese American Historical Society of Southern California (JAHCSC), campaign manager and consigliere for her husband, George Kiriyama during his run for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education, and organizer for several conferences on the Japanese American experience. Iku is remembered by friends and family as a loving mother, gourmet cook, community organizer, and a force of nature who was dedicated to preserving and sharing Japanese American history.
Iku is predeceased by her husband, George Kiriyama; and sister, Aiko Shinosaki. She is survived by her son, George T. Kiriyama; daughter, Traci (Joyce) Kato-Kiriyama; brother, Roy (Christine) Kato; aunt, Marguerite Tanaka; Stepsons, William (Miho) Kiriyama and Bob (Judy) Kiriyama; grandsons, Bryce (Kyra), Kyle and Cullen (Alyson) Kiriyama; nieces, Jennifer (Andy) and Stephanie Kato; also survived by other cousins. Iku requested no flowers.
The service for Iku will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026, 12 p.m. at Senshin Buddhist Temple, 1311 W. 37th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
www.kubotamortuary.com 213-749-1449