Dr. Takako MICHII Ph.D.

MICHII - Dr. Takako, Ph.D.
Dr. Takako Michii, Ph.D., 89, was born July 9, 1934, in Tokyo, Japan and passed away August 19, 2023 peacefully at home in Lancaster, NY. She is survived by her husband, Makoto, as well as her two sons, Maki Lawrence and Yuki Christopher. In her youth, Takako started as a lifestyle section reporter for the Yomiuri Shimbun where she was the interpreter for the Beatles during their tour stop in Tokyo. Takako and her husband emigrated to the U.S. in 1966 to Buffalo, NY. Takako went on to earn her Ph.D. at SUNY Buffalo in Educational studies. There she was a professor, founded the Japanese studies program which evolved into the broader Asian studies program, established the first Japanese exchange program, and directed the Japanese Language and Culture program. She taught Japanese at the university and high school levels, initiated the Regents Program for Japanese for the NYS Dept. of Ed, and privately tutored. Takako promoted U.S.-Japan relations throughout her life by her involvement in the Buffalo Kanazawa Sister City Committee where she once served as the Committee's President and established the Committee as the nonprofit Japan Culture Center of WNY. She was a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Buffalo, Friends of the Japanese Garden, and the Japanese Group of Buffalo. Takako was involved and influential in classical music through the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestras Women's Committee which she helped found. She cultivated many friendships and relationships through the years including Andre Watts, Van Cliburn, and Leonard Bernstein with whom she collaborated to establish and promote the Pacific Music Festival. Takako collected Japanese fine art. She was a master teacher in both Ikebana and Japanese tea ceremonies. She participated in Japanese performing arts including Noh theater and taiko drumming. She was awarded "Woman of Distinction" by the NYS Senate in 1999. She was a state-certified aesthetician and enjoyed tai chi. Dr. Takako Michii, Ph.D. left her mark upon the world which will be felt by many for years to come. May she rest in peace.Memorial service details will be posted to Takako's Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/takakomichii. Arrangements by: ERIE COUNTY CREMATION SERVICE, 824-6435.