In Memory of Akihiro Maeda

Seonghwa

Feb 1

Written By Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Akihiro Maeda

Spouse: Naoyo Maeda
Children: Hirotoshi, Haruka, Junna
Birthdate: February 27, 1961
Blessing: January 12, 1989
Seonghwa Ceremony: January 21, 2024

Akihiro Maeda was born on Feburary 27, 1961 in Takamatsu, Japan. Akihiro was the eldest son of Susumu and Yoshiko Maeda. When he was 17 years old, right before his university entrance exam, Akihiro’s father, Susumu, passed away suddenly after a car crash. Even in the face of hardship and sorrow, he did not give up. He enrolled in Kanagawa University to study law. During his second year at Kanagawa University, Akihiro met his spiritual father and joined CARP.

After graduating, Akihiro dedicated his time to serving the church. In December of 1985, Akihiro moved to America. He began working at New York Fish House when he was 24 years old. When he was 27 years old, Akihiro took on the challenge of running the New York Marathon and finished in 4 hours. Akihiro was matched to Naoyo on March 27, 1987, and was blessed to her on January 12, 1989. Naoyo moved to America and the couple started living together in New Jersey in 1993.

Akihiro and Naoyo moved to Seattle in March of 1995. Their eldest son, Hirotoshi, was born in August of that year. Then, their daughter, Haruka, was born in November of 1996. Their last child, Junna, was born in April of 1999. Akihiro was a devoted father who loved his family deeply. He took his family out for walks, movies, and vacations. Akihiro became the manager for the Portland branch of True World Foods and transferred to Vancouver, Washington in 2006.

In 2014, Akihiro moved to the Bay Area and worked as a salesman for True World Foods. For three years, Akihiro drove 10 hours to visit his family in Washington every weekend. In October of 2017, Naoyo moved to California to start living with Akihiro. In 2018, Akihiro suddenly collapsed at work and was diagnosed with an aortic dissection. He was rushed to Stanford Hospital for emergency surgery. He survived and recovered. Akihiro worked tirelessly to support his family and worked at True World Foods for 39 years.

On December 8, 2023, Akihiro had a sudden and very rare spinal stroke at home. In the blink of an eye, he suddenly collapsed and became paralyzed from the waist down. He was admitted to the hospital for rehabilitation for three weeks. He was surrounded by love and support from his family. Akihiro worked hard to try to get back on his feet despite the obstacles in his way. On January 11, 2024, he was discharged from his rehabilitation program. Akihiro was happy and excited to return home with his family. Upon arriving home, he was able to rest in peace and ascended to the spirit world. His Seonghwa Ceremony was held on January 21.