To Mieko and Family Joshi "walked the talk" he lived his beliefs with enthusiasm, laughter, kind and caring, stubborn and always the teacher. As a family living in a small rural community who would have thought we would be blessed with so many opportunities given and shown to us by Joshi. International students, scholars, thatchers, master craft people, VIP visitors and musicians to name a few. Paul digging the ampi . theatre for the music nights, the grey water ponds etc etc. Yoshi always acknowledging everyone's team effort and skills . The music nights.. how grand!!! with visiting priests from Japan, drummers performers and other artist, how lucky were we!! But also the many fun times, always joking with our children, interested in their lives and sharing his passion for our planet. The silly funny times trying to explain kiwi culture, language to Joshi and his students, Joshi so appreciative of the time spent with him on his project This I am sure has set our children up for life with a huge appreciation on many levels. In this life not everyone has the opportunity to meet a person such a Yoshi... what a privilege we were given Yoshi your infectious smile will be forever with us . Paul and Brenda Jackson, Nigel Banks, Elleigh Jackson, Wade Jackson

I guess it was about 20 years ago when i first met Yoshi in Kaiwaka. Since then i was helping Yoshi for rice planting/harvesting from time to time. Also I was quite happy to get involved in playing Taiko drums for his annual music gathering that Yoshi was passionated about. Yoshi was always taking good care of natural environment and people, that inspired me in many ways. Last December, I was lucky that I met him for the first time in decades. We promised laughingly that we'll catch up again with his favourite scotch fillet next time. Now...you must be enjoying 'All-you-can-eat fillet' in heaven! Thank you Yoshisan you were like a life mentor for me and your heartful smile always remain in my heart. Saho Yazaki

My father worked for Yoshi throughout the 90s and even as kids we were aware that Yoshi was a kind special man , it was always a special event and best behaviour (without having to be told )when we visited the experimental house my dad helped build . We went to several amazing music nights as teenagers and to my parents dismay I may have over indulged in sake ( rice wine) and spent a long while trapped in the glasshouse . Yoshi would always bring us back treats from Japan and he was like a grandfather to us when we were kids . He was a valuable part of the Kaiwaka community when we were there and I’m sure he impacted many lives with the new culture he brought and his kind ways. For Rural small town nz must have been strange to see a Japanese person suddenly appear amongst the farmers and locals but he found his place and must have liked it a lot to finish his time there . Much love to Yoshi and I feel privileged to have been able to have him in my life lots of love Elleigh

Hi dad! Where are you now? Are you enjoying your new journey on the way to your 2nd stage of your life or still sleeping under the beautiful Ginko tree in peace in your garden where we buried? I was so happy to be your daughter for my 51 years. Thank you for being my wonderful father. I’m proud of you so much. I won’t forget you and will miss you so much. No matter wherever your soul goes, I love you now and forever. Hopefully, see you again somewhere in another world!

Sakurai SENSEI, 35 years ago, as a student, I had the opportunity to be involved in the construction of the experimental house in Kaiwaka. Although I was rebellious in my youth, as time passed, I grew to admire your free-spirited way of life, which led to a long-lasting relationship. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have enjoyed seeing you in good health during our annual online reunions. Thus, I am deeply shocked by the sudden news of your passing. I understand you will be laid to rest in a place you cherished. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

When did our endless chatter about death begin, I wonder? You had kept told me that your soul is governed by particles when the time comes, drawn together in the world of entanglement. Surely, there exists an unconscious world filled with love and souls. I wonder if your views on life and death remain unchanged even now. I hope you are enjoying a beautiful journey through a new world without time or dimensions. At least for me, Yoshi-san, have become a beloved eternal presence. Rest in peace.

Yoshi-san, you are such an inspiring person! You’ve given me lots of ideas like how to face our Mother Earth, how to nurture various life forms. We met just five years ago, on Good Friday, April 19, 2019. 🌾 That was when I was invited to help harvest rice at your eco-house field. You taught me many things during the new rice lunch party and weeding working bee later that year. Oh, the mustard greens seeds you gave me are growing in my garden and in the homes of the people you wanted me to give to. From now on, you will be sowing seeds in a bigger place. Until we can meet again, please keep watching over us on this side of the world. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to come into contact with your soul while I’m in this side of the world.

Yoshi was an admirable person who was constantly exploring and trying to make this world a better place for all. I'm sorry I couldn't always grasp your teachings. I hope you are now happily exploring a higher plane of existence.

Yoshi you were our neighbor for 9yrs thankyou for always being so welcoming and will always remember you rest in paradise yoshi x much love yo family and friends xx

Yoshi san, we will miss you. please have a rest in the heaven. God will be with you forever.

You always welcomed us and blew my mind with all your wonderful knowledge about everything... Emma always loved visiting and eat your Japanese snacks ... I should have come to visit when I said... rest for now Yoshi xx love from Lish 😚

Peaceful journey Yoshi ..I'll miss your smile and waves ....

Yoshi was such an inspiring man, his knowledge in so many areas and his skilled intellect was outstanding. This year Yoshi, when we recite our Karakia and call forth the great spirit of Papatuanuku to bless our chop we will remember the skills you have taught, the wisdom imparted and when the new life appears we will rejoice and be glad for the years of testing, germination and perseverance that went before us. There is a saying in Maoridom we use when a Great leader has passed. (THIS DAY A GREAT KAURI HAS FALLEN). May you go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The Mountains and the Hills will brake forth before you. We will see you in the Stars. Go well my friend. Arohanui

Loved and respected ,miss you so much