Glen Gondo Obituary
Remembering Glen Yoshiaki Gondo: A Pillar of the Japan-America Society of Houston
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Glen Yoshiaki Gondo, a devoted director of the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH).
Glen joined JASH soon after relocating to Houston in 1984 to oversee his family’s restaurant, Tokyo Gardens—Houston’s first Japanese restaurant. As he expanded the business to include sushi catering and live sushi bars, Glen took on leadership roles within JASH.
In 1987, Glen was elected to the JASH Board of Directors and joined the Membership Committee the following year. From 1989 to 1992, he served as Vice President for Special Events. In 1992, he became JASH President as the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary.
To commemorate JASH’s silver anniversary, Glen drew inspiration from the newly opened Japanese Garden in Hermann Park and conceived the idea of Japan Festival Houston. He garnered support from the City of Houston and Mayor Bob Lanier, securing Hermann Park as the festival venue. Under Glen’s leadership, Japan Festival Houston grew into a significant cultural event, fostering exchange and unity within the community. The festival stands as a testament to his legacy.
In 1999, Glen assumed the role of Vice President of Business Initiatives and later Co-Chair of the JASH Advisory Committee. For the 2000 Millennium Matsuri, he organized Japan Festival week, featuring the “Mayor’s Challenge” baseball game with teams from Houston and its Sister City in Japan, Chiba City.
In 2001, Glen coordinated efforts with Mayor Lee Brown to welcome the Global A50 Delegation to Houston, marking the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. He chaired JASH’s 35th Anniversary Dinner in 2003, honoring Toshiaki (Tag) Taguchi, then President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. Named JASH President-Elect in 2004, Glen began his second term as President in 2006.
Even after retiring from leadership roles in 2010, Glen remained an active board member, advising the Japan Festival Committee and supporting the Houston-Chiba Sister City relationship. He also led trade missions to Japan for several Houston mayors and introduced many delegations to Chiba City.
Glen often quipped that his commitment to promoting Japanese culture stemmed from a desire to “sell more sushi.” However, his humor masked a deep dedication to cultural understanding. Motivated by a desire to prevent the injustices his parents faced during Japanese internment, Glen worked tirelessly to break down stereotypes and foster pride in heritage through cross-cultural connections.
His efforts significantly improved the welfare and recognition of Houston’s Japanese community, cultivating lasting friendships and goodwill. Glen’s clear objective was: “I want Americans to like Japanese, and Japanese to like Americans.”
Glen’s contributions not only enriched Houston’s appreciation of Japanese heritage but also inspired many to embrace cultural diversity. His leadership in promoting mutual understanding earned him several honors, including the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation in the early 2000s and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 2013.
Glen embodied the spirit of a true citizen diplomat with a genuine “wa-gokoro” or “Japanese heart.”
The Japan-America Society of Houston owes Glen a profound debt of gratitude for bringing Japanese culture to the forefront in Houston. His memory will become cherished. And lastly, his legacy as a champion of cultural exchange will become upheld.
In conclusion, Glen will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Glen GONDO JASH Photo Tribute : In Memoriam: — Japan-America Society of Houston (jas-hou.org)
Glen Gondo Obituary
Who is Asian-American activist and Texas ‘sushi king’ (houstonchronicle.com)
