Kaname Okada

Kaname Okada was born in Tokyo, Japan on January 17, 1953. But, his love of other cultures, international travel, helping others, and exploration took him, throughout his life, to many other places other than Japan. Kaname and his American wife Lisa traveled the world. They met in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 1975. Two wedding ceremonies took place a little over a year later – one in Tokyo for his Japanese family and one in Pittsburgh for Lisa's family. Soon after marriage, Kaname and Lisa found themselves in Cairo, Egypt for 2 years where Kaname learned Arabic for his job with the Japanese government. He also spoke Chinese and for a period of 2 years was working most of his time in China. Hoping to have children, Kaname and Lisa traveled once again. Michael was born in Taiwan. Annie was born in Colombia. Bringing Michael and Annie into their lives through adoption was the most joyous of experiences for the Okada Family. Kaname, Lisa, Michael and Annie make a close family and team. Professionally, Kaname was for all intents and purposes, an economist. However, he worked his entire career trying to help others. In Japan he worked with the Japanese government's Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund. He was then transferred to Washington, DC, in 1989. Since arriving in the DC area, Kaname also worked for The World Bank, but most recently (and for the longest period of time) he was employed by the InterAmerican Development Bank. This is where Kaname found his true calling. For many years he headed IDB's Japan Program. He worked on projects in Latin America, including bringing Minamata survivors and experts from Japan to areas in Latin America where mercury poisoning continues to be an issue. He also worked in Thailand, attempting to help orphans and underprivileged children. He was passionate in whatever work he was involved. And, he was passionate about his family. Those who knew Kaname will miss him greatly. The Okada Family thanks you all for sharing in this celebration of his life. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, please consider DBSA – the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. You may find Kaname's page at http://dbsalliance.org/goto/Kaname_Okada Kaname's life will be celebrated on March 28, 2014 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Virginia. Reception will be at 1:00 PM followed by a service at 2:00 PM.

Tributes

Kaname Okada

January 17, 1953 - March 14, 2014