Yoichi Aoki, 74, died Wednesday, January 3rd. He succumbed early in the morning after a long and hard fought battle with cancer. Yoichi leaves his wife of 46 years, Jean; his daughter, Kate Aoki and her husband Brent Mitchell; his son, Ian Alexander Aoki and his wife Laura; and his two precious grandsons Holden Mitchell and Cormac Aoki. He will also be missed by his brother, Koji, and sister, Yuko, both of Tokyo, Japan, as well as his many friends. Born and raised in Tokyo, Yoichi was the first son of Shokichi and Hatsuko Aoki. Yoichi's grandfather encouraged him to study art in the United States, so he went first to the West Coast where he studied in Oregon and at the Pasadena Playhouse in California. He came to Texas and earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Trinity University in San Antonio after which he became a member and Resident Set Designer for the Dallas Theater Center. After Paul Baker left the DTC, Yoichi started his life's work in documentaries for Japanese television and stage work coordinating international concerts and events that came to Japan. He loved his profession and the business and personal associations that it provided.

Yoichi requested a private cremation with no service. His ashes will be taken to Japan by his wife and two children. The family would like to especially thank his cousin, Hisashi Takahashi, for his loving support and help during this sad time. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Dallas Children's Theater.

Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 10116 E. Northwest Highway Dallas, Texas 75238 214-340-8008