Hisaji Quintus Sakai, M.D.

Hisaji passed away peacefully at his home in his Walnut Creek, CA. He was born 97 years earlier in San Francisco to Kitaichi and Tei Sakai of Matsumoto, Japan. In 1899, his father Kitaichi had ventured alone to the U.S., a hopeful teen seeking greater opportunity. Tei, who married Kitaichi by proxy, did not join her husband until six years later. Once united, the couple raised an industrious family in the heart of SF’s Japantown. It included nine children. Hisaji was the last. In Feb. 1942, FDR responded to the attack on Pearl Harbor by issuing Executive Order 9066. It authorized the military to remove all those of Japanese descent from the West Coast, regardless of citizenship. Hisaji, a high school junior, escaped the impending incarceration by gaining early admission to Iowa’s Grinnell College

– a beneficence facilitated by the American Friends Service Committee and the faithful support of his family.

Though ill-prepared for college, Hisaji worked earnestly and thrived. The following year he was accepted to the Univ. of Michigan and settled in at Ann Arbor. Soon however, the army reopened to Japanese Americans, and he enlisted.

While his family was imprisoned at camp euphemistically titled a “War Relocation Center”, Hisaji completed basic training with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He was then transferred to the newly formed Military Intelligence Service and served as a translator in the Philippines and occupied Japan. Nearly 70 years later, his MIS unit was recognized for outstanding and invaluable service, and he was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.

Three male siblings of the family served in the United States Army during WWII.

After his return, Hisaji resumed undergrad studies at UC Berkeley. He continued at UCB in the accelerated medical program, and later interned at SF General. His training was completed with a radiology fellowship at UCSF Medical Center. He then founded a six-man practice, a diverse group comprised of two Japanese Americans, two Chinese Americans and two Caucasians of Jewish faith. Later, a Korean American would join. The group serviced two Bay Area offices and three hospitals. Hisaji also served as Clinical Assoc Professor of Radiology at UCSF; Consultant at VA hospitals in SF and Martinez, Chief of Staff at Los Medanos Community Hospital; and Radiology Chair at Los Medanos, Delta Memorial and Contra Costa Regional

Hospitals.

Despite his busy schedule, Hisaji’s dedication and decency were constant. He was highly regarded by his patients, colleagues and staff. At their behest, the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors would commemorate his retirement by declaring June 30, 1990 as Dr. H. Quintus Sakai Day.

Always mindful of the advantages he received as a youth, Hisaji felt an abiding duty to share his good fortune. When a friend, neighbor or relative was in need, he freely offered care, guidance or opportunity. In retirement he served as radiology consultant to the US Navy at Joint Base Andrews, and volunteered for community service, including Chairman of the Contra Costa Planning Commission and Co-Chair for UCSF fundraising committees. And throughout his life, he remained a devoted benefactor to his alma maters, the Japanese American community, social activist causes and an ever growing list of charitable organizations.

Home life was similarly full. In 1953, Hisaji married Jean M. Kajikawa, who matched his independence and vibrant curiosity. Together they explored their mutual interest in art, history, travel and sports. The couple also shared a passion for entertaining. Generous and warmhearted hosts, they were well-known for festive holiday celebrations and a year-round, open door hospitality.

During their 58 yr. union, Hisaji and Jean were blessed with a boisterous, loving family: Children Richard, David (Takako), Jon and Ann, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Hisaji now joins Jean, and as the last survivor of the original Sakai family, follows siblings Shizu, Tamotsu, Eiji, Fusako, Asako, Yozo, Iku and Katsu.