Chizuko Fukuyoshi Obituary: A Pioneer of Japanese Cuisine in South Jersey
The passing of Chizuko Fukuyoshi, co-owner of Sagami, one of the most iconic Japanese restaurants in South Jersey, marks the end of an era. At the age of 79, Chizuko left behind a legacy that stretches far beyond her family-run restaurant. As the driving force behind Sagami, she played a crucial role in introducing authentic Japanese cuisine to a region that had little exposure to sushi, sashimi, and other traditional dishes. Her death on July 15, 2024, due to complications from pneumonia, has left the community, her family, and the culinary world mourning the loss of a true pioneer.
Early Life: From Tokyo to the United States
Chizuko Fukuyoshi was born in Tokyo in 1945, at a time when Japan was recovering from the devastation of World War II. She grew up in a family that valued hard work and resilience, qualities that would serve her well throughout her life. In her early twenties, she decided to leave Japan for the United States, seeking new opportunities and a different way of life.
In 1969, Chizuko immigrated to New York City, where she found work as a waitress at a Japanese restaurant located near the United Nations headquarters. It was in this setting that she met her future husband, Shigeru Fukuyoshi, who was working as an apprentice sushi chef. The couple bonded over their shared love for Japanese food and their dreams of one day opening a restaurant of their own.
Meeting Shigeru Fukuyoshi and the Birth of Sagami
Two years after they married, Chizuko and Shigeru welcomed their daughter, Mimi, into the world in 1972. With their growing family, they sought new opportunities beyond the bustling streets of New York City. They decided to move to Collingswood, New Jersey, a quiet town that was close to one of Chizuko’s relatives.
In 1974, they took a leap of faith and opened Sagami, a modest Japanese restaurant located in an area not known for its culinary diversity. At that time, Japanese cuisine was still unfamiliar to most Americans, particularly in the Philadelphia-South Jersey region. The menu included dishes like sushi and sukiyaki, items that many locals had never encountered before. But Chizuko and Shigeru were determined to share the authentic flavors of their homeland.
Early Struggles and Triumphs
The first few years of Sagami were not easy. Many customers were hesitant to try raw fish or other traditional Japanese dishes. According to Chizuko, in the early days, only about 15-20% of customers would order sushi, and it often took years to convince patrons to explore more of the menu. But the Fukuyoshis were not discouraged. Chizuko, who ran the front of the house, greeted every customer with warmth and enthusiasm, patiently explaining the menu and making everyone feel welcome.
As time went on, word began to spread. Sagami’s reputation grew as more people became willing to try new flavors. Slowly but surely, the restaurant developed a loyal following. By the 1990s, sushi had become a popular choice on Sagami’s menu, with 60-70% of customers ordering it. Chizuko’s charm, combined with Shigeru’s masterful cooking, turned Sagami into a beloved institution.
Sagami: A Beacon of Japanese Cuisine in South Jersey
Sagami’s success can largely be attributed to the Fukuyoshi’s unwavering commitment to authenticity. At a time when many restaurants were Americanizing their dishes to suit local tastes, Sagami stayed true to traditional Japanese cooking methods and ingredients. Chizuko’s insistence on maintaining the restaurant’s authenticity helped set it apart from other Japanese eateries that popped up as the cuisine gained popularity in the United States.
The restaurant’s modest, low-ceilinged dining room, situated just a block from the Ferry Avenue stop of the PATCO Speedline, became a haven for food lovers. Diners would come from all over the region, not just for the food, but for the atmosphere Chizuko cultivated. She had a unique way of making every customer feel like a regular, creating a sense of community that extended beyond just serving meals.
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James Beard Recognition and Sagami’s Place in the Culinary World
Chizuko’s dedication to Sagami did not go unnoticed. In 2017 and 2019, Sagami was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, one of the culinary world’s highest honors. This recognition placed Sagami among some of the top restaurants in the United States, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for Japanese cuisine.
In 2023, Shigeru Fukuyoshi was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef. However, the Fukuyoshi family missed the chance to respond to an email from the Beard Foundation requesting their agreement to the organization’s code of ethics. As a result, Shigeru was not considered for the finals. Despite this, Chizuko remained unfazed by the missed opportunity. “We don’t do it for the awards. We do it for the customers,” she reportedly told her daughter, Mimi.
Chizuko’s Personality and Work Ethic: The Heart of Sagami
Chizuko’s work ethic and personal warmth were legendary. Even in her later years, she insisted on working at the restaurant, often spending long hours at Sagami despite her age. Her daughter, Mimi, described her as the “heart and soul” of the restaurant. Her presence was felt in every detail of the dining experience, from the way she greeted customers to how she ensured every dish met Sagami’s high standards.
Chizuko’s passion for her work extended beyond just running a business. She was deeply committed to the art of hospitality, making Sagami not just a place to eat but a place where people felt at home. Regular customers would often speak of her warmth and her genuine interest in their lives. She had an uncanny ability to remember people’s names and their favorite dishes, creating a sense of connection that few restaurant owners achieve.
Outside of Sagami: A Life Beyond the Restaurant
While Chizuko’s professional life was consumed by Sagami, she also had passions and hobbies that brought her joy. She was an avid gardener, often spending her free time cultivating beautiful plants and flowers. Her garden was a reflection of her meticulous nature, filled with vibrant colors and carefully curated plants.
Chizuko also had a love for collecting antiques. Her home was filled with items she had gathered over the years, each piece telling its own story. Her eye for detail, whether in the restaurant or in her personal life, was evident in everything she did.
Additionally, Chizuko made fitness a priority. Even into her later years, she maintained a rigorous workout routine, going to the gym five days a week. Her dedication to staying active reflected the same discipline and focus she applied to her professional life.
The Future of Sagami
Following Chizuko’s passing, the future of Sagami remains uncertain. The restaurant, which has been closed since June 23 for its annual vacation, was scheduled to reopen shortly after her death. However, as of now, no definite plans have been made for its future. Shigeru Fukuyoshi, now 80, is contemplating retirement, and Mimi has indicated that the decision on whether to reopen will not be made lightly.
In a meeting with Sagami’s staff, many of the older employees expressed their desire to retire, while some of the younger staff floated the idea of buying the restaurant and keeping it open. Whether Sagami will continue under new ownership or close its doors for good is yet to be determined. For now, Sagami’s website indicates that the restaurant is “closed for the foreseeable future.”
Legacy and Impact on Japanese Cuisine in South Jersey
Regardless of what happens next, there is no denying the immense legacy Chizuko Fukuyoshi leaves behind. Her influence on Japanese cuisine in South Jersey is profound. She and Shigeru were among the first to introduce authentic Japanese food to the region, and their perseverance helped shift public perception of sushi and other traditional dishes.
Sagami’s success paved the way for other Japanese restaurants in the area, many of which owe a debt of gratitude to the trailblazing efforts of the Fukuyoshi family. Chizuko’s approach to hospitality and her dedication to quality set a high bar for others in the industry.
Funeral and Memorial
Chizuko Fukuyoshi’s funeral service will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services in Haddonfield, New Jersey. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the ASPCA, an organization that Chizuko supported throughout her life. Family and close friends will gather to celebrate her life and contributions.
Conclusion: A Lasting Tribute to Chizuko Fukuyoshi
Chizuko Fukuyoshi’s passing is a great loss, not only for her family but for the culinary community at large. Her tireless dedication to Sagami, her ability to introduce and popularize Japanese cuisine in South Jersey, and her warm, welcoming nature made her a beloved figure. Her life is a testament to what can be accomplished with passion, perseverance, and a deep love for one’s craft.
As the community reflects on her life and contributions, it’s clear that Chizuko’s legacy will endure, even if Sagami’s doors remain closed. The many people she touched—whether through her food, her hospitality, or her friendship—will continue to remember her as the heart and soul of Sagami.
FAQS
Q: Who was Chizuko Fukuyoshi?
A: Chizuko Fukuyoshi was a co-founder of the renowned Sagami Japanese restaurant in Collingswood, New Jersey, which she operated with her husband for 50 years.
Q: What is Sagami known for?
A: Sagami is known for introducing authentic Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi, to South Jersey and for being a pioneer in the local culinary scene.
Q: When did Chizuko Fukuyoshi pass away?
A: Chizuko Fukuyoshi passed away on July 15, 2024, due to complications from pneumonia.
Q: How long has Sagami been in operation?
A: Sagami has been operating since 1974, making it a staple in the South Jersey dining scene for over 50 years.
Q: Will Sagami continue operating after Chizuko Fukuyoshi’s passing?
A: The future of Sagami is currently uncertain. Discussions are ongoing about whether the restaurant will reopen, and no decisions have been made yet.
Q: What awards has Sagami received?
A: Sagami was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2017 and 2019, and Shigeru Fukuyoshi was a semifinalist for Outstanding Chef in 2023.
Q: Where will Chizuko Fukuyoshi’s funeral be held?
A: Her funeral will be held at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services in Haddonfield, New Jersey, on July 19, 2024.
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