Honoring Associate Director Gay Satsuma: A Tribute to 28 Years of Service

Twitter • Instagram • LinkedIn • Threads • Published 12/28/2023 

On December 7, 2023, the Center for Japanese Studies held a celebration for Associate Director Gay Satsuma at Kennedy Theatre’s 2nd floor lanai. Gay has been a driving force behind the success and growth of our Center, making it one of the premier Centers for Japanese Studies in the United States. Many would say that Gay IS the Center for Japanese Studies; she has worked with all but one of the previous directors of the Center since she began her grand tenure in 1995.

Gay with Dr. Robert Huey, former director of the Center for Japanese Studies (2003 – 2012)
Gay with Dr. Patricia Steinhoff, former director of the Center for Japanese Studies (1986 – 1994)

Gay has helped so many along the way as evidenced by the attendance of nearly 80 faculty, staff, and friends who joined us to help celebrate her 28 years of service.

We honor and celebrate Gay’s readiness to begin an exciting new chapter of her life in retirement beginning from her official last day of service Friday, December 29, 2023.

Gay with our incredible Japanese language instructional team
Gay and Wayne with students she has helped throughout her time at the Center

Wishing you a fulfilling retirement, Gay! Thank you for everything you have done for the Center for Japanese Studies.

Gay with Center for Japanese Studies Director Mark Levin, Program Coordinator Joan Pan, Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist Sachiko Roos, Graduate Assistant Adam Tanare Jr., and Way of Tea Ceremony Instructor Akiko Riley
Gay with her husband, Wayne Muromoto.
Enjoy retirement!

Photos: Brandon Miyagi (Instagram: @burandon_san | Email: bmiyagi@gmail.com)