Posted on: Wednesday, January 22, 2003

Michiko Nakabayashi, radio personality, dead at 76

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

One of the pioneers of Japanese language radio and television in Hawai'i, Michie Nakabayashi, died Jan. 10 at age 76.

Paul Yempuku, president of the Hawai'i Hochi newspaper, said Nakabayashi was one of a handful of Japanese language broadcasters in the Islands in the early days. "She was one of the popular announcers," he recalled.

Family members said her 30-year career began in 1952 on live radio at KPOA with her own program titled "Together With Michiko."

They recalled she was a popular announcer at the Cherry Blossom Festival and stage shows that featured entertainers from Japan. From 1959 to 1980, she was the host of a Sunday variety show on KGMB-TV that included guests from Japan.

Nakabayashi worked at KOHO in 1962 and at KZOO from 1963 until her retirement in 1982. She was born in Toyohashi, Japan, and graduated from Tokyo Gedai University with a master's degree in music.

Private services were held Monday, with Hosoi Garden Mortuary in charge.

She is survived by her husband, Herbert; son, Laine; granddaughter, Jade; daughter, Catherine Haywood; mother, Yukie Onuma; and sister, Taeko Onuma.