Jiro Takashima

Jiro Takashima was born on January 25, 1935, in Fukuoka, Japan, to Fumiko Yamauchi and Takichi Takashima. He was the devoted husband of Toshiko Uchijima, with whom he shared fifty years before her passing in 2013. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers Hiroshi, Shozo, and Rikuro. He is survived by his brothers Kengo and Seiichi and by his three children—Kyoko, Masayoshi, and Amy—who, along with his eight grandchildren, loved their "JiJi" very much.

In 1970, he and his family moved to the United States to help establish the regional offices of Takachiho Telecommunications. He then transitioned to the Japanese Consulate’s Office where he was responsible for not only diplomatic and cultural affairs but was integral to the formation of the Japanese Educational Institute of Houston and the Japanese Exchange and Teaching program, one of the nation’s most prominent international exchange programs.

Finally, in 1997, he founded High Island Health, which today remains a leader in alternative prostate health and wellness. A prolific inventor, Jiro held over 103 U.S. and international patents, revolutionizing fields such as combustion engine design and acupressure treatment. For over 27 years, millions of people have benefited from products either created by him or based on his patents.

With the Japanese community in its nascency when he arrived, Jiro became one of the original Japanese immigrants that helped establish the cornerstones that remain vibrant parts of the Japanese community today. In addition to his contributions while at the Japanese Consulate, he also led the research and brokering of Houston’s first major Japanese grocery store and was one of the team of craftsmen that assembled the Hermann Park Japanese Garden Teahouse.

Beyond his many achievements, Jiro found joy in spending time with family, fishing, woodworking, whistling, and listening to classical music, especially Beethoven. He will be dearly missed.

Memorial dedications can be directed to the Hermann Park Conservancy for restoration of the Japanese Garden online at https://www.hermannpark.org/support-the-japanese-garden/.