TOSHIO FUJIKURA

Dr. Toshio Fujikura  
Toshio passed away peacefully on May 13, 2021 at the age of 97. Born in Tokyo, Japan he was the beloved son of Tome Fujikura and Masashiro Yoshida. Toshio lost his father at an early age and was raised by his mother who was a successful business owner. In 1941, Toshio entered the Chiba Institute of Technology to study engineering. His education was disrupted by World War II, and he was sent to the countryside to do farm work. Toshio was determined to continue his education after the war, and he was accepted to the Keio University Medical School in Tokyo. After he completed his Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, he aspired to study in the US. In 1953, he accepted an Obstetrics and Pathology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. He later returned to Japan and met the love of his life and "Best Friend" Yuka Yasui, a visiting Fulbright Scholarship nurse. They got married and returned to the US. Toshio continued his training in Clinical Pathology at the University of Oregon Medical School and later became an instructor there. In 1963, he was appointed as a Medical Officer Pathologist at the National Institute of Health (NIH). Then in 1973, he followed his interest in neonatal research as an Associate Professor of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Women's Hospital. In 1978, Toshio returned to Japan to accept a position as Chief of the Pathology Department, Radiation Effects Research Foundation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He later moved back to Tokyo to serve as a pathologist at several area hospitals. Throughout his career, Toshio wrote and published numerous papers in prominent medical journals. He worked well into his eighties and continued his love of research. Toshio enjoyed time with family, travel, delicious food, swimming, nature walks and exercising at the gym. A quiet, gentle and modest man who always appreciated the kindness of others, he faced life with resilience no matter the upheaval. He was beloved by his children and his wife Yuka of 65 years. Toshio leaves behind his children, Amy, Casey, Ken and Tyra, and grandchildren, Kevin, Daniel, and Katelyn. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Yuka, by less than two months. A memorial service will be held at a future date.