TAKEDA
All families are as branches of a tree. We grow in different directions, but our roots remain the same.
All families are as branches of a tree. We grow in different directions, but our roots remain the same.
George Juichi and Hae Fujimori's oldest surviving son was Dr. John Katsumi Fujimori who married the beautiful Caroline Tsugiye Takeda. Her page link is HERE 🌿Caroline Tsugiye Takeda.
George Juichi and Hae Fujimori's oldest surviving son was Dr. John Katsumi Fujimori who married the beautiful Caroline Tsugiye Takeda. Her page link is HERE 🌿Caroline Tsugiye Takeda.
To all of you who knew and loved the beautiful Caroline Tsugiye Takeda Fujimori, who would be so modest if she knew we were here to say how much we honor her as a truly remarkable person. . . She was our beloved Auntie Caroline.
To all of you who knew and loved the beautiful Caroline Tsugiye Takeda Fujimori, who would be so modest if she knew we were here to say how much we honor her as a truly remarkable person. . . She was our beloved Auntie Caroline.
We are thankful we are part of the beautiful tapestry of life she made for the past, present, and future of our families, church, and community.
We are thankful we are part of the beautiful tapestry of life she made for the past, present, and future of our families, church, and community.
Auntie Caroline was a beacon of quiet beauty, elegance, and yamato nadeshiko. With her sweet warm smile and generous spirit, she brought joy to her loved ones, students, and culture. Her nurturing character, patience, and self-discipline made her a living lesson in how to behave, even in the most challenging of times.
Auntie Caroline was a beacon of quiet beauty, elegance, and yamato nadeshiko. With her sweet warm smile and generous spirit, she brought joy to her loved ones, students, and culture. Her nurturing character, patience, and self-discipline made her a living lesson in how to behave, even in the most challenging of times.
Auntie was born January 3, 1921, in Sacramento, the second of six
Auntie was born January 3, 1921, in Sacramento, the second of six
sisters. Her parents Shigeo and Fusa Takeda owned Capital Fish Company. She is a survivor of the ravages of WWII Japan. In 1940, Auntie and her sister Mitsuye went to Tokyo to study Japanese classical dance. They could not return to America until 1949, yet putting aside any justifiable bitterness, she become the soul of the Japanese gamman shimasho. She truly made Uncle John feel like a king, she was the human TV remote control, she was the perfect homemaker, and she was the true chef, sou chef, and staff of four behind all of the archetypal dinners that marked every major holiday in our family’s lives.
sisters. Her parents Shigeo and Fusa Takeda owned Capital Fish Company. She is a survivor of the ravages of WWII Japan. In 1940, Auntie and her sister Mitsuye went to Tokyo to study Japanese classical dance. They could not return to America until 1949, yet putting aside any justifiable bitterness, she become the soul of the Japanese gamman shimasho. She truly made Uncle John feel like a king, she was the human TV remote control, she was the perfect homemaker, and she was the true chef, sou chef, and staff of four behind all of the archetypal dinners that marked every major holiday in our family’s lives.
The always empty seat at the table was Auntie Caroline’s. She was forever on her feet, giving, serving, and helping others.
The always empty seat at the table was Auntie Caroline’s. She was forever on her feet, giving, serving, and helping others.
Her generosity knew no bounds. Auntie Caroline’s selflessness and genuine care for others were evident in her actions, and the best fruit of her labor is seen in the amazing children she brought into and raised up in this world - Cathy Keiko Fujimori and Steven Hideo Fujimori.
Her generosity knew no bounds. Auntie Caroline’s selflessness and genuine care for others were evident in her actions, and the best fruit of her labor is seen in the amazing children she brought into and raised up in this world - Cathy Keiko Fujimori and Steven Hideo Fujimori.
What joy and happiness she found in her two children as they, in turn, have become the beautiful, strong people that they are. Auntie Caroline’s gentle reliance and faith in her children undoubtedly sustained her and continued to give her fulfillment.
What joy and happiness she found in her two children as they, in turn, have become the beautiful, strong people that they are. Auntie Caroline’s gentle reliance and faith in her children undoubtedly sustained her and continued to give her fulfillment.
Family was at the center of her world. She held us all together, hosting gatherings that strengthened our union as family. Auntie Caroline’s generation may not have believed in voicing thoughts and opinions, but her actions spoke the power of love and unity.
Family was at the center of her world. She held us all together, hosting gatherings that strengthened our union as family. Auntie Caroline’s generation may not have believed in voicing thoughts and opinions, but her actions spoke the power of love and unity.
Her dedication to others extended beyond family, as she was deeply involved in her community. Auntie Caroline volunteered generously, giving her time and resources to causes close to her heart and church. Auntie taught Sunday School Dharma Classes at the Stockton Buddhist Church for 42 years. She made a positive impact, and through her acts of service, she inspired us all to do the same. We can see this, again, through her children Cathy and Steven.
Her dedication to others extended beyond family, as she was deeply involved in her community. Auntie Caroline volunteered generously, giving her time and resources to causes close to her heart and church. Auntie taught Sunday School Dharma Classes at the Stockton Buddhist Church for 42 years. She made a positive impact, and through her acts of service, she inspired us all to do the same. We can see this, again, through her children Cathy and Steven.
Auntie Caroline faced challenges throughout her life, but she did so with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her courage in the face of adversity was awe-inspiring, and she taught us that strength comes not from avoiding hardships, but from facing them head-on with a determined spirit. In later years, she said that it used to bother her whenever she was bustling through rooms cleaning and straightening and Uncle John would say, “Hey, change the channel” or “Hey, turn the volume up higher.” Then one day, Auntie Caroline said, “Now, I just laugh because it’s so funny!” I don’t know if Uncle John ever bought a TV with a remote, but I do remember never, ever seeing Auntie Caroline sitting down relaxing. Never.
Auntie Caroline faced challenges throughout her life, but she did so with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her courage in the face of adversity was awe-inspiring, and she taught us that strength comes not from avoiding hardships, but from facing them head-on with a determined spirit. In later years, she said that it used to bother her whenever she was bustling through rooms cleaning and straightening and Uncle John would say, “Hey, change the channel” or “Hey, turn the volume up higher.” Then one day, Auntie Caroline said, “Now, I just laugh because it’s so funny!” I don’t know if Uncle John ever bought a TV with a remote, but I do remember never, ever seeing Auntie Caroline sitting down relaxing. Never.
One of the Buddha’s Noble Truths I learned in Sunday School is that “Life is suffering.” Although to the West, this sounds like a lost sentiment, our conclusion is that no human is born without a capacity to suffer. To know this, there is freedom of its acceptance, and Auntie’s life dwelt in this virtue. Uncomplaining, patient, forgiving, she should have whipped me when I was playing and put a paper clamp on Steve’s nose and hurt him badly. Instead, my own horror and guilt haunt me to seek forgiveness and repentance. I’m sorry, Steven.
One of the Buddha’s Noble Truths I learned in Sunday School is that “Life is suffering.” Although to the West, this sounds like a lost sentiment, our conclusion is that no human is born without a capacity to suffer. To know this, there is freedom of its acceptance, and Auntie’s life dwelt in this virtue. Uncomplaining, patient, forgiving, she should have whipped me when I was playing and put a paper clamp on Steve’s nose and hurt him badly. Instead, my own horror and guilt haunt me to seek forgiveness and repentance. I’m sorry, Steven.
Buddha said, "The thought manifests as the word; The word manifests as the deed; The deed develops into habit, And habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care, And let it spring from love, Born out of compassion for all human beings. As the shadow follows the body, As we think, so we become."
Buddha said, "The thought manifests as the word; The word manifests as the deed; The deed develops into habit, And habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care, And let it spring from love, Born out of compassion for all human beings. As the shadow follows the body, As we think, so we become."
Auntie’s life was one of discipline, grace, and living beauty. When Cathy, Steve, and I played hide and go seek in the big bedroom, photos of Auntie Caroline’s wedding were displayed. Caroline had the look of a Grace Kelly, perfectly shaped face with features to die for. I was a little dumbfounded that she married Uncle John if it all depended on looks, but it wasn’t that. Her thoughts made into actions made into habits made into her stalwart character of love and compassion. Today, she is 102 years old, but she is forever this lithesome, delicate beauty of great character.
Auntie’s life was one of discipline, grace, and living beauty. When Cathy, Steve, and I played hide and go seek in the big bedroom, photos of Auntie Caroline’s wedding were displayed. Caroline had the look of a Grace Kelly, perfectly shaped face with features to die for. I was a little dumbfounded that she married Uncle John if it all depended on looks, but it wasn’t that. Her thoughts made into actions made into habits made into her stalwart character of love and compassion. Today, she is 102 years old, but she is forever this lithesome, delicate beauty of great character.
To have become the master of hanayagi dance, for example, Auntie Caroline studied the style, a traditional kabuki form from the Edo period. She practiced the singular classic mai and Noh poetic styles, incorporating the geisha Kyoto styles. She became a natori, receiving her own name after mastering 100 dances. She taught me Gion Kouta and that athletic strength and sinewy muscles are foundational to practice her art.
To have become the master of hanayagi dance, for example, Auntie Caroline studied the style, a traditional kabuki form from the Edo period. She practiced the singular classic mai and Noh poetic styles, incorporating the geisha Kyoto styles. She became a natori, receiving her own name after mastering 100 dances. She taught me Gion Kouta and that athletic strength and sinewy muscles are foundational to practice her art.
Her passion for this traditional Japanese dance form was evident in her grace and inner strength. Through Hanayagi, she found a way to express her innermost emotions and connect with the beauty of nature. Her performances were mesmerizing, as she effortlessly transported audiences to a floating world of elegance and grace. Whether it was the delicate flutter of a fan or the precision of her footwork, Auntie Caroline's dance mesmerized all who had the privilege of witnessing it.
Her passion for this traditional Japanese dance form was evident in her grace and inner strength. Through Hanayagi, she found a way to express her innermost emotions and connect with the beauty of nature. Her performances were mesmerizing, as she effortlessly transported audiences to a floating world of elegance and grace. Whether it was the delicate flutter of a fan or the precision of her footwork, Auntie Caroline's dance mesmerized all who had the privilege of witnessing it.
Beyond the captivating performances, she took great joy in teaching others the art of Hanayagi. Auntie Caroline was a patient and nurturing instructor, passing down the wisdom and techniques of this ancient art form to younger generations. Her dedication to preserving this cultural heritage inspired her students to appreciate the beauty of tradition and the importance of art in our lives.
Beyond the captivating performances, she took great joy in teaching others the art of Hanayagi. Auntie Caroline was a patient and nurturing instructor, passing down the wisdom and techniques of this ancient art form to younger generations. Her dedication to preserving this cultural heritage inspired her students to appreciate the beauty of tradition and the importance of art in our lives.
Auntie Caroline's mastery of Hanayagi dance became a reflection of her own life philosophy – embracing tradition while embracing change, finding harmony in diversity, and cherishing the beauty that exists in the world. She was utterly beautiful. Auntie passed away on September 26, 2005, at age 84.
Auntie Caroline's mastery of Hanayagi dance became a reflection of her own life philosophy – embracing tradition while embracing change, finding harmony in diversity, and cherishing the beauty that exists in the world. She was utterly beautiful. Auntie passed away on September 26, 2005, at age 84.
As we remember her, let us recall the elegance and poise with which she graced the stage, and let her passion for Hanayagi dance and for her children and family remind us to pursue our own passions wholeheartedly. In honoring her memory, may we also continue to embrace the arts, celebrate culture, and find joy in shedding love and compassion upon others no matter how undeserving.
As we remember her, let us recall the elegance and poise with which she graced the stage, and let her passion for Hanayagi dance and for her children and family remind us to pursue our own passions wholeheartedly. In honoring her memory, may we also continue to embrace the arts, celebrate culture, and find joy in shedding love and compassion upon others no matter how undeserving.
Farewell, dear Auntie Caroline. Your love and workmanship in our lives’ tapestry is evident. Thank you for being an extraordinary part of that divine design. We love you.
Farewell, dear Auntie Caroline. Your love and workmanship in our lives’ tapestry is evident. Thank you for being an extraordinary part of that divine design. We love you.
Please join me in prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the time we shared with your beloved child Caroline Tsugiye Takeda Fujimori. Her artistry and spirit amaze and we are awestruck by what she did on this earth. May we honor her legacy by practicing her example in compassion, love, generosity, and unity. Auntie Caroline may have left this earthly plane, but her spirit lives on through her children and in the countless lives she touched. Please keep us close as you do Auntie Caroline. In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. Namu amidabutsu.
Please join me in prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the time we shared with your beloved child Caroline Tsugiye Takeda Fujimori. Her artistry and spirit amaze and we are awestruck by what she did on this earth. May we honor her legacy by practicing her example in compassion, love, generosity, and unity. Auntie Caroline may have left this earthly plane, but her spirit lives on through her children and in the countless lives she touched. Please keep us close as you do Auntie Caroline. In Jesus's name we pray, Amen. Namu amidabutsu.
Julia Yamaoka Thorn's Memorial Speech for the Zoom presentation of Auntie Caroline's Memorial 2023
Julia Yamaoka Thorn's Memorial Speech for the Zoom presentation of Auntie Caroline's Memorial 2023