In Memory of Shinnosuke Takahashi(1953 - 2015)

Shinnosuke Takahashi was born on July 22,1953 in Aizu, Fukushima prefecture in Japan. He was raised by his grandparents and parents who both worked in farming and carpentry. Shinnosuke had an older brother, Shinsuke, and a younger brother, Takahiro.

Shinnosuke loved nature and spent much time in the hills and the forests near his home, rich with green vegetation and bright blue skies. His gentle and kind nature was formed from his experiences in the outdoors. He once explained that when he was young he wanted to show nature to the small stones which were not able to move around, so he carried those stones around in his pockets.

After graduating from high school, Shinnosuke attended college and studied craft and art design. He was hoping to become a potter or make a large local restaurant to provide delicious meals.

In 1972, he joined the Unification Church to contribute to world peace. He received the Marriage Blessing by True Parents on 1982 as a part of 6000 Couples’ Blessing in Korea. The following year he came to United States to work for Ocean Challenge and develop seafood businesses.  While in the process of applying for his permanent residency in the US, he attended the Hattori Cooking School in Japan and earned a Chef’s Certificate. Shinnosuke became a US citizen in 1997.

With his wife Miyano, Shinnosuke opened a Japanese restaurant in Sacramento, California in 1996. In 2006, the family moved to Salisbury, Massachusetts and in 2007 opened the Japanese restaurant, Hana Japan, in Newburyport, MA.

The restaurant was operated as a family business involving both children. Last year his son, Kosuke, graduated the Sushi Chef Institute in California, and became a chef in the restaurant. His daughter, Shino, also has been helping to create the restaurant website and menu. Shinnosuke was very happy for his children’s involvement and growth.

The restaurant business in America was not easy, but finally last year the family could vacation together and visited Niagara Falls. The family had planned to travel to Japan in April to visit his father and brother in Fukushima.

Shinnosuke has a deep heart to serve others. He felt sorry for his lack of English ability to communicate freely with American people, so he carried many English books to study. In a note written during the final days of his earthly life, he wrote of his sincere desire to serve other people and Heavenly Parent’s Will until the last moment of his life.

The family was active in the Boston Family Church community. At the most recent church holiday, the Takahashi Family received “The Unsung Hero Award” as recognition for the exceptional effort they have continuously made to serve their church community.

Shinnosuke is survived by his wife Miyano, daughter Shino and son, Kousuke.

Viewing

Sunday, March 22 from 5 PM to 7PM at Rogers Funeral Home in Newburyport – 35 Green St. Newburyport

Seonghwa Ceremony

Monday, March 23rd from 10:30 AM to 12 PM at Rogers Funeral Home in Newburyport – 35 Green St. Newburyport

Won Jeon Ceremony (burial)

Immediately following the Seonghwa Ceremony at the Belleville Cemetery near by.

26 Storey Ave., Newburyport

Reception

A reception will follow at approximately 2 PM at the Takahashi’s restaurant, Hana Japan.

Port Plaza – 45 Storey Ave., Newburyport