Michiko Ito Ushijima

Michiko Ito Ushijima, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025 at the age of 95 in San Diego, California.

Michiko was born on March 23, 1930, in Tokyo, Japan to Tokusuke and Taka Ito. She was the epitome of grace, kindness, and perseverance, and was very devoted to her family who meant the world to her.

Soon after graduating from high school in Tokyo, Michiko was selected to join the Shochiku Kagekidan Revue and Music Troupe. Acceptance into this revue and music troupe was highly competitive and it was an honor for her to become a member of this prestigious organization.

Following her career with the Shochiku Kagekidan Revue and Music Troupe, she relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband Juro Ushijima. She then began her career in radio broadcasting, becoming a famous personality for radio KOHO, a Japanese language radio station. Throughout her life, she enjoyed music and was a remarkable singer. She also loved traveling and trotted the globe to fascinating countries including Australia, Europe and Canada.

Michiko is survived by her children, Rita Hee (Dan) and Frederick Ushijima (Cora); her six grandchildren; her twelve great-grandchildren; and her sister, Haruyo Shimada (Tom). She is predeceased by her husband Juro Ushijima; her parents, Tokusuke and Taka Ito; her brothers, Akio Sato and Yuji Ito; her sisters, Emiko Hasegawa and Chieko Soma.

A private Celebration of Life will be held. Michiko will be deeply missed and she will forever remain in the hearts of her family.