Koichi Fukuda

1942 - 2025

Koichi Fukuda
06/30/1942 - 04/17/2025
Koichi Fukuda was born on June 30, 1942, at the Tanforan Assembly Center in California. Koichi, his mother, and 6 siblings were sent to the Topaz Internment Camp in Utah in 1942, and Crystal City, Texas in 1944, where they were reunited with their father.
In September 1947, two years after the war ended, the Fukuda family was finally released, avoiding deportation, and returned to San Francisco. His parents, the Reverend Yoshiaki and Reverend Shinko Fukuda, served as ministers for the San Francisco Konko Church, where Koichi developed a deep and lifelong devotion to his faith. He generously contributed his unique artistic talents and perspectives to countless events and initiatives within his beloved church and Japanese American community, enriching their gatherings and celebrations.
His innate artistic talent led him to pursue a degree in illustration from the Art Center in Los Angeles, a passion he successfully translated into a career as a commercial illustrator in New York City and San Francisco. Koichi also honorably served in the US Army Reserve for six years.
His life was enriched by his marriage to Mutsuko Kozuki, a cherished union until her passing in 2018. Koichi found profound happiness in the everyday rhythms of life. He enjoyed his wife's companionship on their daily walks, a testament to their enduring bond. Together, they found immense joy in their daughter, Akemi, and eventually in his role as a grandfather to Tetsu. In later years, Koichi was grateful for Cindy Lee's and Reverend Rodney Yano's assistance and friendship.
Koichi passed in San Francisco on April 17, 2025. He leaves behind his daughter Akemi Lee (Adrian), his grandson Tetsu, and many relatives and friends who will deeply miss his presence. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Konko Church of San Francisco at 1909 Bush Street, San Francisco, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at noon.