In Memory of Kayoko Naito

In Memory of Kayoko Naito

Kayoko Naito

Spouse: Tetsuaki Naito
Children: Junta, Ryota, Sayuri, Taichiro
Ascension: August 30, 2021

Kayoko Obata Naito was born on October 23rd, 1957 in Niigata, Japan. Raised by her parents Isamu and Kane Obata, Kayoko grew up as the youngest of four siblings Kiyoko, Seiichi, and Takeshige. She was born into a family of Buddhist and Shinto background. Growing up she enjoyed activities such as kendo, badminton, and volleyball. 

After high school, Kayoko worked as a bookkeeper in Shinjuku City, Japan. Despite her comfortable life, Kayoko felt strongly that she needed a purpose greater than just making money. Around that time, she read a book called Shiokari Pass, a true story of a Christian man who sacrificed his life by jumping in front of a train that was moving backward in order to stop it from heading off a cliff. She shed tears thinking about his heart of sacrifice and realizing that there are people like that who exist.

Kayoko was introduced to the Unification movement in 1980 at the Hidakaya Nakai Station in Shinjuku City, Japan. When she heard the Divine Principle, she had the feeling, “I cannot live without the truth.” The teachings answered her questions about life, society, and world affairs. Kayoko joined the Unification movement and dedicated herself as a full-time member in hopes that she could contribute to creating an ideal world by practicing the Divine Principle. From the time she joined, Kayoko flourished under the loving spiritual care of Teruko Yamashita.

While in Kanagawa, Japan, she worked in a church company called “Frontline”, where she sold tools and products that promoted a healthier lifestyle. She worked in the sales/care division that called for a lot of patience and conversation skills.

In 1982, when Father Moon requested Japanese members to come to the United States as missionaries, Kayoko volunteered. She served in states throughout the Northeast engaging in fundraising, pastor evangelism, and babysitting children of full-time missionary parents. During this period, she also attended college for two years studying accounting in Pennsylvania.

Kayoko received the Marriage Blessing with Tetsuaki Naito on January 12th, 1989 as part of the 1275 Couple International Blessing in Yongin, South Korea. Afterward, she served on a witnessing team at the 43rd church building in New York City. She also worked as a staff member at the video center there as well as a Japanese-English translator.

While Kayoko was devoted to her public work, her dedication reflected towards her family members in the same way. While living in New York City, Kayoko gave birth to twin boys Ryota and Junta in 1995. Soon after in 1998, she gave birth to her son Taichiro. Then the Naito family moved to Belleville, New Jersey, and Kayoko gave birth to her final child and only daughter Sayuri in 1999.

In 2002, the Naito family moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey. While raising her children, Kayoko also took on jobs such as being a retail sales associate and sushi clerk. Her love extended to her children’s school, where one day she made bento boxes and taught origami for everyone in the classroom. In her leisure time with her family, she enjoyed going to cherry blossom parks, visiting other family’s homes, and hosting birthday celebrations. She shared with her children that her goal in life is to become a true mother.

In mid-July 2021 Kayoko was diagnosed with cancer, and had a series of strokes. Even with her remaining energy, she would laugh, sing, and smile brightly to encourage family and friends who visited her. In her final moments, Kayoko returned home for hospice care and was surrounded by her family members until she peacefully passed on August 30th, 2021 at 4:35 pm. Kayoko is survived by her husband Tetsuaki; sons Ryota, Junta, and Taichiro; daughter Sayuri; and siblings Kiyoko, Seiichi, and Takeshige.

Kayoko will be forever remembered for her warm, radiant smile and fervent, sacrificial spirit.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: September 3, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Location: Clifton Family Church (78 De Mott Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011)

Viewing hours will be held at the Clifton Family Church on Friday, September 3rd from 6:00-7:00 PM. This will be followed by the Seonghwa Ceremony from 7:00 - 8:30 PM. All are welcome to attend.

For safety: Masks will be required for entry and must be worn at all times.

If you would like to participate in the ceremony by Zoom, please click this link on the day and time of the ceremony. Please note that all participants will be muted, but able to make comments in the chat.

Chain-Prayer

We will start a 24-Hour Chain-Prayer for Kayoko san beginning on Thursday, September 2nd at 6:00 PM. If you are able to take part in the Chain-Prayer, please click here. For any questions, please contact Mrs. Yoko Burns at yokoburns2075@gmail.com.

To Offer a Donation

If you would like to offer a donation to support the Sato family in covering the costs for the burial services, please click on this GoFundMe page.

Flowers or Condolences

Sent to: Clifton Family Church
c/o Mrs. Eriko Endo
78 De Mott Ave.,
Clifton, NJ 07011

Condolence checks may be made out to Sayuri Naito