SAN FRANCISCO — Paper Tree,cerita lucah cikgu neelofa a Japantown arts and crafts store specializing in origami paper, books and displays, posted the following message on Oct. 7:
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Nobuo ‘Nob’ Mihara at age 93. ‘Nob,’ as most of his friends and family called him, co-founded Paper Tree in 1968. He was a big supporter of the Japanese American community and involved in many community events. He passed peacefully Friday evening (Oct. 4).”
Paper Tree will be closed Sunday, Nov. 3, so that the staff and family can celebrate and remember Mihara at the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California, 1840 Sutter St. in Japantown. The program starts at 3 p.m.
“If you knew him and would like to attend the celebration, attire is casual,” the family said. “He really enjoyed his button-down shirts, so wear something festive. If you’d prefer to wear black in mourning that is also acceptable.
“Thank you again from the store staff and family for all the condolences folks have already shared on this platform (Facebook) or when coming into the store to express condolences in person. We have definitely seen and felt the impact that he had in this community!”
Mihara was born in San Francisco to Tokinobu and Hideko Mihara on March 2, 1931. During World War II, the family was incarcerated at the Heart Mountain camp in Wyoming from 1942 to 1945. While in camp, Mihara saw snow for the first time and was fascinated by it. He wrote about this and other observations in his unpublished book called “Sagebrush Memories.”
After camp, the family settled briefly in Salt Lake City, Utah, and eventually returned to San Francisco, where Mihara graduated from George Washington High School and then received a BS in business from Golden Gate University.
He helped his grandparents’ import business, Oriental Culture Book Company, until 1968, when Mihara and his wife opened Paper Tree in the newly completed Japan Center. Paper Tree continues to operate to this day as the second-oldest business in Japantown.
Mihara was one of the original volunteers during the first Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in 1968, becoming co-chair in 1975.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Shizuko Mihara; children, Linda Mihara and Roger Mihara; grandchildren, Christopher “CJ” Avery, Marie Mihara and Keaton Mihara; brother, Samuel “Sam” Mihara; and many relatives.