Takeshi Nozaki

1932 – 2018 Resident of San Jose

Takeshi Nozaki passed away peacefully in his sleep after a lengthy illness in May. He was 86. Born in Eatonville, WA, he was raised in Hiroshima, Japan and was an Atomic Bomb survivor.

After the war, Takeshi came to San Jose as a teenager where he started making tofu (Japanese soybean cakes) with his father. They made tofu together in the old traditional way, by hand.

People from all over, including Japan, came to Takeshi’s small store in San Jose’s Japan Town to buy his tofu. He welcomed them with his sunshine smile and his “broken” English. He put his “heart and soul” into his business for almost 60 years. While making tofu, he would whistle Japanese songs, or sing “shigin” which is an old Japanese art form in reciting traditional poems by singing. We will miss his wonderful singing voice, his laughter, and his great sense of humor. He was truly special; really “one of a kind.”

Takeshi was a longtime member of the San Jose Buddhist Betsuin Church, the San Jose Shigin Club, and the Hiroshima Nikkeijin Kai Club.

Takeshi is survived by his daughter, Anne (Richard) Katashima; sons, Chester (Amy), and Stan; six grandchildren; a sister-in-law; a niece; and a nephew. He was predeceased by his wife; a brother; and his son, Tony.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Lorrie’s Residential Care Home, Seasons Hospice, and Caring Hands. A private family service has been held per his wishes.