In memory of Shoya Yamazaki

The Yamazaki family loved taking walks in nature and seeing all the living creatures the world had to offer. We filled every holiday weekend with trips to national parks and other scenic locations to enjoy the great outdoors of the United States. A favorite location of ours to visit were weekend trips to Santa Cruz to surf, an activity very dear to Shoya and me. As such, Santa Cruz is the most memorable place in the U.S. for our family. It was the most relaxing place for us, with great waves, beautiful scenery, and abundant marine life. Our dream was to build a home there with a beautiful view along the ocean when we retired. We had so many conversations as we walked along the seaside, sharing our hopes and dreams, over and over again.

In May 2021, Shoya received notice he would be transferred to the Lyon, France office and would be leaving the United States. The U.S. (San Jose) is a place of great importance to me, filled with so many treasured memories. This place is where we began our family journey with the birth of our two wonderful children, where a foundation was built in Shoya’s professional career, and where he made many irreplaceable friends. We promised ourselves that we would definitely return to this place as a family one day. In July 2021, we started the next chapter of our lives in Lyon, France. Although he suffered from the stress of being transferred to another country, the severe restrictions of the Corona disaster, and the difficulties of everyday communication in a new language, gradually Shoya came to understand how to live in France and seemed to be getting his life on track. However, in February 2022, he suddenly came down with a severe case of abdominal pains and bloody stools; tests later revealed that he had rectal cancer. He had to make the difficult decision to return to Japan halfway through his tour of duty in Europe to fight this serious illness. He underwent surgery to remove the cancer and had multiple anti-cancer treatments, putting him in and out of the hospital multiple times. He continued to work remotely while struggling with pain and depression, and unfortunately in the summer of 2023, his health suddenly changed for the worse. He was determined to make a full recovery until the very end, but his wish was not granted.

On November 5, 2023, he departed for his final resting place. At the age of 41, when everything in Shoya’s life was beginning to be most fulfilling, no one would ever foresee or understand this heavenly deed. Not even a lifetime is enough to understand why someone like him, who was loved by so many people and overflowing with positivity, had to meet an early death, leaving behind two small children. I am sure everyone who knew him feels the same way. There is nowhere for my grief to go, and my heart breaks when I think of Shoya’s regret, and unfulfilled potential as a husband, father, and an individual. I think the only thing I can do is to carry on the dreams that Shoya had and provide the love that he had for our children. I sincerely hope to support the growth of our children so that they can return to the U.S. one day to play an active role to become a bridge between Japan and the U.S.

We were able to establish this fund thanks to the encouragement and support of many of Shoya’s friends. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who helped establish this fund. We would be very happy and grateful if you would like to join them in supporting us, the Yamazaki family. We look forward to your warm support.

Natsuko Yamazaki