Isle resident was recognized for
promoting Japan-U.S. relations

Robert Toshio Tomosawa / 1925-2001

SEE ALSO: OBITUARIES

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Star-Bulletin staff

Robert Toshio Tomosawa, who recently was honored by the Japanese government for his efforts to strengthen relations between Japan and the United States, has died. He was 76.

Tomosawa died Dec. 11 at Kuakini Hospital. The cause of death was not released.

Last month, Tomosawa received the Imperial Decoration Award -- The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays -- from the Japanese government.

The former production manager at KHNL-TV, Tomosawa was recognized for his efforts to introduce Japan and its culture to Hawaii through television broadcasts.

The Honolulu resident also was a past president of Hiroshima Kenjinkai, an organization of people whose ancestors were from the Hiroshima prefecture in Japan.

As president, he made efforts to open up regular flight service to Hiroshima and promoted sports exchanges through sumo with the help of media representatives in the United States and Japan.

He also served as executive director of the United Japanese Society of Hawaii.

Tomosawa, born June 19, 1925, is survived by his wife Ethel, son Gerald, daughter Ruby Kouchi, brothers Charles and Francis, and three grandchildren.

A memorial service was scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Nuuanu Mortuary (no flowers).