Masahiro Kojima

ADRIAN- Masahiro Kojima passed away at his home on July 11, 2023 with his loving wife by his side and under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. He was 81 years old, born on December 16, 1941 in Takashima, Shiga Prefecture, Japan to Yuzo and Emi Yamazaki. On July 14, 1995 Masahiro married Cynthia Willet and they shared their lives in both Japan and the United States for 28 years. Masahiro is survived by his wife, Cindy, son Michiya (Chika), daughter Akiko (Shiro) Dejima, stepdaughter Amanda (Patrick) Walz, two grandsons Kota and Shouta Kojima, and two stepgrandchildren, Justin and Claudia Walz, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Takashi, first wife Kayako, and infant daughter Yasuko. Masahiro earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in language studies at the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. He taught English at the Moriyama Senior Girls High School for 35 years. Masahiro was given several opportunities to represent the City of Moriyama abroad. He was the translator for the first Adrian Sister City Friendship delegation to Moriyama in 1989. From 1994-1996, Masahiro was the Japanese exchange teacher for the Lenawee Intermediate School District. He loved teaching Japanese language and culture to students of all ages throughout Lenawee County. Masahiro was a member of the Adrian Noon Rotary, the Michigan-Shiga Sister State Board, and the Lenawee International Club. He was Moriyama City’s liaison to both the City of Adrian and the LISD until his decline in health. He was dedicated to promoting the Lenawee-Moriyama Middle School Exchange and Adrian-Moriyama Sister City Citizen Exchange programs. Masahiro was a quiet, dignified man who was kind to everyone he met and who will be missed by those who were fortunate to know him. Following Masahiro’s wishes cremation will take place with no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Masahiro’s memory may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com

Masahiro Kojima

December 16, 1941 - July 11, 2023