KIMURA, EIKO, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully in her sleep on September 11th, 2023. Eiko was born April 3rd, 1924 in Tottori City, Japan to Bunichi and Kimiye Chatani. She graduated from the Tokyo Women’s Christian University in 1944, with a degree in Japanese Literature. She married Katsumi Harry Kimura in Kobe, Japan in 1947. They came to Sacramento in December of 1952 where they lived happily with their four children; Lily, Ted, Judy, and Kathy.

In 1975, they suffered a devastating loss when Katsumi passed away at the age of 54, yet she persevered.
Eiko wrote a daily column for the Nichi Bei Times English/Japanese newspaper for over 40 years covering local events and Sacramento Japanese American Society. She was highly involved in the community, loved to dress up and socialize, making many long-lasting friendships.

Always with a book, magazine, or newspaper, she was a voracious reader and especially loved mystery novels. Eiko was also a poet, winning many first place trophies for her writings in her native Japanese language and was often a judge for a Japanese Language Contest held by Sacramento State.

She was an accomplished koto and shamisen player. She received the prestigious Natori Teacher License from Grandmaster Kineya Yajuri signifying an expert level of Nagauta Shamisen and performed throughout California.

Eiko loved tea ceremony, Bunka embroidery, silk folding and flower arranging.

Equally important to her was spending time at home tending to her Japanese garden and koi pond surrounded by her beautiful flowers. She also found enjoyment in growing orchids, sewing, crocheting and knitting afghans as well as one-of-a-kind sweaters. She was an avid Sacramento Kings fan.

Eiko was lovingly called Nana by her grandchildren Kimie and Jason, Kayla, Dylan, and great-grandchildren Alessandra and Kellan. She loved to cook. Her home was always filled with delicious smells and was a second home to her grandchildren. No one ever left hungry or empty handed.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives in Sacramento as well as Japan.

To honor Eiko’s final wishes, no services will be held.