Kaz Kajimura - Blues, Jazz, Soul & Love - Celebration of Life

With heavy hearts, we are sharing that the great San Francisco Bay Area has lost one of it’s legends. On Jun 15, Kazuo ‘Kaz’ Kajimura joined his mother Yoshi Kajimura & father Noriyuki Kajimura in heaven. 

Kaz was a dreamer, he graduated with a bachelors degree at Waseda, Tokyo, Japan, one the most prestigious universities in the world. Kaz attained a masters in China before his move to Berkeley, CA where he acquired a masters in Journalism at U.C. Berkeley. Ever the student, Kaz went on to earn an M.B.A. at Stanford University.

Kaz was a local icon, and founder of Yoshi’s Claremont, Yoshi’s San Francisco and Yoshi’s Oakland. Since 1972, Yoshi’s became Kaz’s passion, and his life’s dedication. Those that had the privilege to work with Kaz, knew he was no stranger to working 10 to 16 hours days, 6 days a week…for over 50 years! Kaz invested his whole life and his whole family inheritance to navigate Yoshi’s through both different locations, and really tough times. Yoshi’s Oakland wouldn’t exist without him.

Kaz used to say: “Yoshi’s is like no other place on Earth! Everyone loves this place, it is amazing and beyond gratifying to see how we host so many talented artists, bringing all communities and everyone together with music, helping so many businesses with noble fundraisers, and exposing the new generation to real music!”

There was no patrons or employees in Kaz’s mind, everyone was a big family, part of Yoshi’s, part of his dream. Kaz’s other dreams were to re-open Yoshi’s San Francisco and to expand into Old Sacramento. These efforts would provide more and more “love, great food & music” to different cities, and communities. 

Aside from his passionate work at Yoshi’s,, he was also an incredible harmonica player, an airplane pilot, speed boat racer, and a professional scuba diver. His passion for nature and animals provided countless adventures. When he was not on his bike zipping through Oakland and San Francisco, he was hiking or enjoying his dogs, Poochie & Jazmine, bird, Greta and hundreds of koi fish.

Kaz leaves behind his beloved wife, Dadre, his sisters, Masako, Keiko, Akiko and Toshi, and his cherished nephews and nieces. He also leaves a vast network of friends, former colleagues, and professionals whose lives were immeasurably enriched by his bright smile, witty sense of humor and unforgettable presence.

Kaz passed his torch and legacy to Hal Campos. whom he would endearingly call “his only son”. 

The family wants to thank all of you for supporting Yoshi’s and Kaz for over 50 years. A very special thanks goes out to all the incredible caregivers that helped, loved and assisted him during his battle with dementia. Thank you to Alberto and Ana from TreVista in Antioch, Rose and Gary Malabato and their team at Brentwood Care Home where he peacefully, and comfortably passed, surrounded with so much love. We are also forever grateful to Jane Porter and her incredible team at Grace & Glory Hospice for making sure he had the best health care and guidance during his journey battling Alzheimer’s. 

Our hero, Kaz Kajimura, now rests in peace. As he used to say: “Party is on, the show must go on!”

Celebrate Kaz’s extraordinary life with us! Get your FREE ticket to see fabulous local artists jamming on our stage on July 14, 2025