HENRY SAKAMOTO CELEBRATION of LIFE EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH JANUARY 21 2026 11:00 AM
Schedule
Wed, 21 Jan, 2026 at 11:00 am
UTC-08:00Location
Epworth United Methodist Church~Portland | Portland, OR
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HENRY SAKAMOTOCELEBRATION of LIFE
EPWORTH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
JANUARY 21 2026 11:00 AM
Henry Sakamoto Obituary
January 27, 1927 - November 25, 2025
Henry Shigehiro Sakamoto, a lifelong resident of Portland and devoted leader in the Japanese-American community, died on November 25, 2025, at the age of 98.
Henry was born on January 27, 1927, in Portland, Oregon, the son of Hantaro Sakamoto of Kumamoto, Japan, and Hisano Tanokuchi Sakamoto of Okayama, Japan. His childhood was shaped by the hardships of the Great Depression and the prejudice faced by Japanese Americans before and during World War II. As a 15- year-old Lincoln High School student, Henry and his family were among the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans forcibly incarcerated during the war. Even in confinement, Henry distinguished himself as a leader, serving as Sophomore Class President and Junior Class Vice President in the Minidoka Internment Camp’s high school.
Henry pursued higher education, matriculating at Ohio Wesleyan University in 1944. After two years, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his military service, he continued his education at the University of Oregon, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He went on to spend 32 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, managing and marketing government grain inventories across seven western states. His work helped strengthen ties between Oregon’s grain industry and Japanese markets, laying the foundation for enduring economic relationships across the Pacific. Upon retirement, Henry continued to serve as a consultant to the wheat industry and worked with the Oregon Wheat Commission, assisting farmers in marketing their crops.
Henry’s greatest legacy lies in his civic leadership. As the first president of the Oregon Nikkei Endowment (1990–2009), Henry helped establish the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, which later became the Japanese American Museum of Oregon. He also played a pivotal role in creating the Japanese American Historical Plaza on Portland’s waterfront, where 100 cherry trees—donated through his relationships with Japanese trading companies—stand as a living symbol of resilience and cultural exchange. Henry’s leadership extended to many organizations: he served as President of the Japanese Ancestral Society of Portland, Vice President of the Oregon Nikkei Endowment, and past Commander of the Oregon Nisei Veterans. He was also a beloved vocalist with the Minidoka Swing Band, sharing music from his youth and keeping alive the spirit of community forged in wartime incarceration.
His contributions were recognized nationally and internationally. In 2011, he received the “Heart of the Community Award” from the Oregon Nikkei Endowment. In 2021, the Government of Japan honored him with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, for his efforts in preserving Japanese American history and strengthening U.S.–Japan relations. Henry’s life was a testament to perseverance, dignity, and service. He transformed personal hardship into public leadership, ensuring that the stories of Japanese Americans would be remembered and honored. As Connie Masuoka of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon said, “He was one of our greatest leaders of our generation. I’d like to think he was our George Washington.”
Henry was preceded in death by his brothers Tom and George; and his second wife Carolyn. He is survived by his first and third wife, Lolita; his children: Scott Sakamoto, Blake Sakamoto (Bronwyn), Nancy Sakamoto DiSabato (Joe); stepsons: Paul Stricker, Todd Stricker (Julie); four grandchildren, Zachary Sakamoto, Jaiden Sakamoto, Sophia DiSabato, Alexa DiSabato; four step-grandsons, Drew Stricker, Riley Stricker, Austin Stricker, and Adam Stricker; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2025, 11am at Epworth United Methodist Church.
If you care to make donations, they may be directed in memory of Henry Shig Sakamoto to:
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
411 NW Flanders Street
Portland, Oregon 97209
Japanese Ancestral Society
P.O. Box 82443
Portland, Oregon 97282
Ikoi no Kai (Japanese American community lunch program)
1333 S.E. 28th Street
Portland, Oregon 97214
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Where is it happening?
Epworth United Methodist Church~Portland, 1333 SE 28th Ave,Portland, Oregon, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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