Mahalo to my maternal grandfather Suyekichi Nakawatase, who left this world and was born in the Pure Land this day 70 years ago.

I never knew Grandpa Nakawatase but his influence on my life is undeniable and I am grateful for his hard work, sacrifice, and passion to ensure the Nakawatase family got off to a good start in the state of California.

And mahalo for giving me the ‘fierce eyebrows’ and temperament of a true Kagoshima man!