Masako Takiguchi, 86, passed away June 25, 2018. Though she spent the majority of her childhood and adulthood in Japan, she lived in Glendale and Phoenix for over 50 years after marrying an Arizona native, Minoru Takiguchi, who was a produce farmer. Masako has been a JACL (Japanese American Citizens League) member since 1960 and a board member since 1975 where she was Chapter membership chair, Vice President and President. As a "Kibei" (a name given to those Japanese Americans who returned to the States after living in Japan during World War II), she was happy to honor the Isseis' Keirokai and also served as Mr. Takemori's correspondence secretary for the Chojukai. Masako's volunteer experience is extensive within the Japanese community in Phoenix. She was one of the charter founders of the Japanese American Citizen's League, a charter member of the Pacific Rim Advisory Council, Japan American Society of Phoenix, Arizona American Asian Association, Arizona Gakuen School and founder of the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. She was appointed by Arizona Governor Rose Mofford, Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, and council members Skip Rimza and Phil Gordon, to serve on various committees such as the Phoenix Pride Commission, the Phoenix Women's Commission, Phoenix Sister City Commission and the Phoenix Bonds Commission. She was a member of organizations such as ASU West's Provost Club, Young Women's Christian Association of Maricopa County, Arizona Matsuri Festival, Sekishu School of Tea Ceremony, and served as an honorary co-chair for Arizona America Japan Week. Because of her work with many associations, and the support of friends and associates, Masako has received numerous awards from organizations such as the City of Phoenix, the City of Glendale, Phoenix Sister Cities Commission, the City of Phoenix Parks, Recreation and Library Department, Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Sister Cities International 50th Anniversary Circle of Distinguished Volunteer Award, and Who's who among Asian Americans. In 2010 she received a special award from the Emperor of Japan entitled "The Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays." This lifetime achievement award honors those who have made a significant contribution in furthering the Japanese cultural arts in the U.S. In 2011, Masako also received the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission Himeji Committee inaugural Lifetime Achievement award. This award was named after her and will be given to those who continue to contribute significantly to the Japanese culture arts. Today, Masako continues to work on creating more awareness about the Japanese culture through her civic projects. She is survived by three daughters, three grandsons and one granddaughter. Donations may be made to the Japanese Friendship Garden . (Source: ASU Foundation)