Noboru Akagi was born in Tokyo, Japan, on January 25, 1928, as the 5th child of Seiji and Toku Akagi. After graduating from Keio University School of Medicine, he completed his internship at Tokyo Dai Ichi National Hospital and a residency in surgery at Keio University Hospital. He also completed medical residencies at Kuakini Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Queen's Hospital, and Leahi Hospital. He married Ethel Mineko Akagi (née Ishida) in 1960 and opened his private medical practice in Waimalu in 1965. He retired from his work as a surgeon in 2001.For over 60 years, Dr. and Mrs. Akagi tirelessly worked together to cultivate a deeper understanding and practice of Japanese culture in Hawaii. Mrs. Akagi was a teacher of chado (tea ceremony) and a founding member of Chado Urasenke Tankokai Hawaii Association, while Dr. Akagi was an influential kendo teacher locally and internationally. He was one of the founders of Aiea Taiheiji Godo Kai (kendo, judo, karate, aikido, and sumo). He started Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Club in 1965 and was its chief instructor until 1990; he served as President of the Hawaii Kendo Federation from 1985-1997 and continued to be an advisor to both organizations until his death. He also served in various positions at the International Kendo Federation and Japan Physician's Kendo Federation, and in 2005 became the first person outside Japan to be awarded the prestigious "Korosho (Distinguished Service Award)" from the All Japan Kendo Federation "for many years of meritorious service to the development of kendo." He died at Kuakini Hospital in Honolulu on January 15, 2023, at the age of 94. The funeral will be held at Hosoi Garden Mortuary on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Visitation: 5 pm; Service: at 6pm. Please no flowers or monetary gifts. Face mask required. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
