William Isamu Mizono

William “Bill” Isamu Mizono at the age of 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 24, 2021 in Walnut Creek, California.

In February 1937, in the midst of the Great Depression, Bill’s parents Saichi and Matsuyo Mizono purchased Azumaya, a San Francisco Bay Area tofu manufacturing business. His parents gifted Azumaya to their eldest son, George Mizono who then brought in his brother and new partner, Jack Mizono. In 1942, the Mizonos were forced to close their tofu operation, and like most West Coast Japanese Americans during World War II, they were incarcerated into relocation camps.

Marked by the postWorld War II in 1945, after Bill and his family were interned at Topaz, Utah, Bill served in the Army based in Germany from 19501953.

Bill married Dorothy Toshiko Yamamoto 1953 and worked various jobs in the floral and cleaning segment.

His brothers, George and Jack reopened Azumaya in 1946. In 1962, Bill joined Azumaya and brothers, George, Jack and John Mizono. By 1973, Bill expanded packaged tofu and other Asian specialty products into mainstream supermarkets. From 1976, as a tofu pioneer, he marketed and drove sales outside of California into Oregon, Washington and East Coast super markets and driven to conquer the whole U.S. marketplace. His merchandising programs for holiday themes like “Chinese New Year” was pivotal to putting Azumaya on the map.

Bill was a celebrated patron, contributor and forager during his career at Azumaya. Financial wealth was not his driver but he became a “tofu legacy” of his time as America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of tofu, Asian pasta and specialty products distributing to over 4,500 retail stores.

A national industry newspaper named “Produce News” featured an article written by Rand Green whom recognized Bill as the “King of Soft Sell”. Bill had charisma and a natural talent to connect with corporate executives through his infectious and entertaining personality.

Bill brought Asian products to the forefront by selling and creating many products, chiefly “Stir Fruity” a soy-based yogurt with fruit. Stir Fruity was launched nationwide into retail produce departments from the late 1980s. He was visionary, an entrepreneur and innovator of new products, light years ahead of his competitors.

Bill retired in 1993 as Owner / President and a “Tofu Icon” who revolutionized and branded Azumaya as a household name. With his comic poet personality, he developed many friendships throughout the produce industry and many walks of life. He was an inspiration to all, quick witted and had a passion for making people laugh. Bill was a talented artist, enjoyed sports, fishing and loved to play golf, especially with his Wife, Dorothy. It is with piercing sorrow that Bill has passed. He was our heartbeat. Predeceased by brothers George Mizono, Jack Mizono, John Mizono, and sisters Mary Ishida and Arrice Mori.

Bill is survived by his beloved Wife, Dorothy of 68 years. Together, they raised their family and is survived by their children Laurence Mizono (Maria), Jill Mizono and Peggy Mizono (Rick); Grandchildren Michelle LopesSolano (Christian), Anthony Mizono (Jennifer), Kevin Videtta, Cristobal Arras (Angela), Dorothy Mizono; and Great-grandchildren Kalea Solano, Christian Solano, Mia Aguilar and Liam Aguilar; Sister-in-laws Yoshi Mizono, Kazuko Yamamoto, Ellen Yamamoto, Jane Yamamoto and Connie Yamamoto (Scott) and other beloveds. His fondest and everlasting love was his sweet adorable pet, Cookie who never left his side.

You cannot lose a person, only their body, for the rest of them can be found, always, in your heart and mind.