This would probably qualify to being as close to a real press release, as I’ve ever done for this site. The Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC) in San Francisco recently relocated their offices.

But the best news is that they announced a new major donor, Hiro Tokubo.

“One of the things that we decided to do in honor of that very generous gift was to dedicate this building in the memory of his parents.”

A photo of Moriye and Mariko Tokubo is prominently displayed in the building along with a brief profile. Mr. Tokubo arrived in Seattle from Hiroshima in 1919. Mariko Takemoto arrived from Yamaguchi in 1932, and the two got married. They raised eight children and owned a successful tofu and grocery business in Fowler.

(Comment: the original article had a misspelling of the name.  I have sent an email to correct it.)

“Their legacy of devotion to family and community will serve as an enduring inspiration to all of us who have benefited from their struggles and perseverance,” the profile reads.

“My connection with JCYC goes back to the early 1980s when I was involved with the board. … There’s something about that bond that never left,” said Tokubo, who moved to the East Coast and was away from the Bay Area for almost 20 years.

Noting that his parents sent all eight of their children to college, Tokubo said, “I think my parents would be very proud if they could be here tonight … knowing what JCYC does and how it reflects their own values.”

The original article can be found here.  The JCYC’s newsletter page is here.

We all send our thanks to Hiro for giving back to the community as well as honoring the family’s history.