Kyoko Okamoto

Kyoko Okamoto, a beloved teacher, musician, and cherished member of the community, passed away on October 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of music, dedication, and love. Born on June 19, 1937, in Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan, Kyoko's journey through life was marked by her unwavering passion for the koto and her commitment to sharing its beauty with the world. At the age of 23, after graduating from college, Kyoko bravely ventured to the United States to pursue a career in nursing, enrolling in the esteemed Hannah Harrison Nursing School in Washington, D.C. It was here that she met her devoted husband, Paul Okamoto, with whom she shared nearly 50 wonderful years of marriage until his passing 7 years ago. Together, they formed a beautiful partnership, with Paul capturing countless memories of Kyoko's koto performances through his photography, always supporting her artistic endeavors with steadfast love and encouragement. Kyoko's passion for the koto blossomed during her time in Kobe, Japan, where she diligently practiced under the tutelage of a revered teacher. Her dedication was unwavering, and upon returning to the United States, she continued to hone her craft, eventually earning her certification as a master koto player. In 1971, Kyoko founded the Washington Toho Koto Society, a testament to her commitment to the art. Her influence extended to academia, where she inspired thousands of students over five decades at the University of Maryland in the Ethnomusicology Department, School of Music. Throughout her illustrious career, Kyoko orchestrated the annual joint concert between her students and the Washington Toho Koto Society for an impressive 53 years. Her performances graced prestigious venues such as the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, the Embassy of Japan, the U.S. State Department, and for the Presidential Inaugural concerts for President Carter and President Reagan. In 2024, she had the distinct honor of performing at the White House during a state visit by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida with President Joe Biden, a crowning achievement in her distinguished career. Among many awards, the Washington Toho Koto Society was honored with a special award from the Foreign Minister of Japan in 2003. In December 2022, she received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation from the Japanese Government in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture in the United States, Most recently, in April 2026, in recognition of her contributions towards promoting Japanese culture and fostering mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, she received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays from the government of Japan. Kyoko received a medal from Ambassador Shigeo Yamada at the beautiful reception hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Washington DC, August 2026. Kyoko's love for the koto was profound and unwavering. Even during periods of illness, she found solace in her music, often losing track of time during lessons that stretched far beyond their scheduled duration. Her students remember her as a passionate and patient teacher, renowned for her meticulous attention to detail in both music and presentation. Survived by her son David, her daughter Susan (Hidemi) Sakamoto, and her beloved grandchildren, Roger and Yumiko, Kyoko was a beacon of love, kindness, and generosity. Her family and friends were always touched by her caring nature, even when she was weary and in need of rest. The family wishes to honor Kyoko's memory by suggesting donations to a charity of choice. Her enduring legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her, celebrating a life lived with passion, grace, and an unwavering dedication to the art of the koto.