Obituary of Kazuo Tsuda

February 18, 2025

In Loving Memory of Mr. Kazuo Tsuda

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Mr. Kazuo Tsuda, a beloved educator and mentor known to many as “Tsuda Sensei.” For over four decades, he dedicated his life to teaching Japanese at UNIS, inspiring students from around the world with his passion and commitment.

Beyond the classroom, Mr. Tsuda was a visionary in Japanese language education, authoring innovative textbooks and advocating for cultural diversity as president of the Northeast Council of Teachers of Japanese (NECTJ). He played a key role in bringing the annual Harumatsuri (Japanese Spring Festival) to UNIS for 29 years and helped establish a lasting partnership with the Yokohama Board of Education, fostering cultural exchange and peace initiatives. He also took great pride in the Annual Haiku Competition, which continues to flourish.

In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Mr. Tsuda received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Teachers of Japanese in 2022, the same year he retired. His mentorship, dedication, and boundless energy have left an indelible mark on generations of students and educators.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched. His legacy will forever be cherished.

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