Asa Hanamoto

November 30, 1923 – April 9, 2015

Asa Hanamoto, beloved father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and internationally-known landscape designer, passed away peacefully after a sudden illness. Born Nov. 30, 1923 in Sacramento, CA, Asa was one of six siblings: Max Hanamoto, Lila Sasaki, Ben Hanamoto, Dorothy Markiewicz, and Kay Hanamoto

As a long time Landscape Architect here in the Bay Area, Asa was a well-known member of his profession. He received multiple awards and wide respect for his work in the field, both domestic and internationally. He was made a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects in 1984. Some of his projects included: developing a master plan for Santa Barbara, developing plans for national parks in Taiwan, Malaysia and several US National Parks. Active in community affairs, he was honored by the city of Mill Valley with a Milley award for his contributions. He was a board member for the Japanese American Historical Society.

Two years ago he was awarded recognition for his military service in the Military Intelligence Division in the U. S. Army during the WWII by receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor at a ceremony in Washington D.C. An honor that he held in very high respect.

A long time Marin resident Asa and his wife, Yuri Hanamoto were avid world travelers experiencing a multitude of cultures and destinations over the years. Asa was also an experienced fisherman and fly angler for the majority of his life. He also had many interesting hobbies that included cultivation of the Japanese art form of bonsai, duck hunting, and mycological foraging.

Later after his retirement Asa enjoyed the game of golf with a great passion, playing several times a week. He fulfilled one dream by sinking a holein-one, on two occasions! Asa was still golfing just two days before his sudden illness.

Asa Hanamoto is survived by his wife of 65 years Yuriko Hanamoto, his sons Mark and Gary and by his sisters, Lila and Dorothy of Rocklin, CA.

Memorial gifts may be made to the National Japanese American Historical Society, 1684 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94115 or to the College of Environmental Design, University of California, 230 Wurster Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720.

A celebration of Asa’s life will be held from 2–5pm on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at the Marin Art & Garden Center.