We mourn the loss of Bob Hamaguchi, our friend and board member who passed away on September 4, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.

As executive director of Japantown Task Force, Inc., Bob was a critical leader in Japantown, in San Francisco, and in the Japanese American community.

“Bob is one of the reasons why the San Francisco Japantown Foundation not only exists today but has grown each year, enabling us to annually distribute tens of thousands of dollars in grants in support of Japantown,” said Donald K. Tamaki, board president of the San Francisco Japantown Foundation.

“He was an effective leader because of his charisma, wisdom, common sense, integrity, genuine affection for others and self-deprecating sense of humor. He was universally liked and respected—that’s kind of rare in a community wherein internecine battles are not uncommon. We mourn his passing, but we are so grateful for the legacy he has left behind.”

Our deepest thanks to you, Bob, for your service and contributions to preserving and uplifting Japantown. You will be sorely missed, but your spirit will always live on in Japantown and in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will take place on Saturday, September 23, at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Casual attire (golf shirts and aloha attire) requested. Email hamahawaii2016@gmail.com to receive updates.