World War II hero, artist and teacher Yoshio Nakamura dies at 100, leaving ‘extraordinary legacy’ of kindness, service.
On his 100th birthday the Whittier educator and artist called for people to treat others decently. A native of the San Gabriel Valley, “Papa Yosh,” as his family called him, endured war and internment camps to become a decorated war hero, celebrated artist and beloved teacher.
Nakamura, whom Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn called “a one-of-a-kind American hero,” died on Saturday, Nov. 22. He was 100 years old. Hahn said she plans to adjourn next week’s meeting of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors in Nakamura’s memory.
“Through some of the darkest moments in our nation’s history and in the face of fear and discrimination, Yosh chose love and service,” Hahn said. “I had the honor of throwing a 100th birthday celebration for him in June, and it’s clear that though he may no longer be with us, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and countless admirers. My thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Among Nakamura’s awards and accomplishments: earning Whittier’s first Teacher of the Year award in 1960, the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011, the Bronze Star, and the French Foreign Legion medal in 2017. His paintings and etchings are in the Guggenheim Collection in New York and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Yosh and Grace were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Whittier Area Audubon Society.