[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 151 (Friday, October 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        HONORING TOMIO MORIGUCHI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 2015

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Tomio 
Moriguchi, a native of Tacoma and longtime Seattle resident and 
community icon, for his latest honor: the Dr. Samuel E. Kelly Award 
from the University of Washington's Multicultural Alumni Partnership 
(MAP). This is a fitting recognition for Tomio's extensive leadership 
and service in the community over the course of decades.
  Tomio's father, Fujimatsu Moriguchi, made a living selling rice to 
workers at logging and fishing camps in the Seattle area. The 
business--named Uwajimaya after the fishing village where Fujimatsu 
learned his trade--grew steadily until World War II, when Tomio and his 
family were placed in internment camps along with many Japanese-
Americans.
  After the war, the Moriguchi family went back to work. Uwajimaya 
reopened and Tomio attended Garfield High School and the University of 
Washington. Following his time in college, Tomio enjoyed a brief stint 
at the Boeing Company as an engineer before joining the family 
business. Under his careful leadership for 30 years as CEO and in 
partnership with the many family members involved in the business, 
Uwajimaya experienced meteoric growth. Tomio guided the company through 
its massive expansion in the International District while adding 
locations in the Greater Seattle Area. Today, thanks to the careful 
guidance of Tomio and other family members, the company now employs 500 
people and is engrained in the social fabric of life in the Pacific 
Northwest.
  Outside of his business endeavors, Tomio has also made a life-long 
commitment to the betterment of his community. Tomio led the way for 
the development of the Keiro Nursing Home, a culturally-sensitive 
facility to serve the Japanese community in Seattle. He has served as 
President of the Hokebui Hochi Foundation, which organizes educational 
and cultural activities to preserve Japanese culture. He also serves as 
publisher of the region's largest Japanese newspaper, the North 
American Post. Other highlights include his service on many non-profit 
boards and the creation of the International District Improvement 
Association. Throughout his life, Tomio has demonstrated a unique 
ability to serve as a unifying force and advocate for Asian American 
communities in the region.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Mr. Tomio 
Moriguchi for his years of service and the impact he has made within 
the Asian American community and countless others in the greater 
Seattle area.

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