Updated by Shige Higashi on Dec. 27, 2025 at 2:30PM / Dec. 25, 2025 at 4:00PM
LOS ANGELES — The Japanese American community is mourning the loss of Dr. Shinichi Hirokawa, an educator, community leader, and cultural ambassador in Southern California, who passed away on December 24, 2025. He was 62.
Through his involvement in Bon Odori programming of Team Kawachi Ondo, Hirokawa supported initiatives that brought together participants across generations, nationalities, and geographic regions, contributing to the expansion and vitality of community-based cultural activities.
Born in Niigata, Japan, Hirokawa graduated from Tokai University with a degree in English literature. He began his professional career as a sales engineer at SKF Japan, a Swedish bearing manufacturer. A transfer to Osaka during this time sparked his lifelong appreciation for Kansai culture, which would later influence his community involvement in Los Angeles.
In 2002, Hirokawa moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education. He earned an MBA in project management from Keller Graduate School of Management in Long Beach and later completed a Doctor of Business Administration in international business from Avgosy University.
From 2020 until his passing, Hirokawa taught at Westcliff University in Irvine, where he most recently held the title of Assistant Professor of Business. In addition to his academic work, he operated a consulting business and previously served as a marketing executive at Kelly Space & Technology, Inc. in San Bernardino from 2015 to 2017.
Outside the classroom, Hirokawa was deeply committed to Japanese cultural expression. His love of singing led him to perform at major Japanese community events in Los Angeles, including the Spring Singing Festival and the U.S. Kohaku Singing Contest. In 2019, he co-founded Team Kawachi Ondo and served as its lead singer, performing at numerous cultural festivals throughout Southern California. Beginning in 2023, the group expanded its performances to cities such as Chicago and Phoenix.
His final performance took place at Taste of Japan Winter Wonderland in the Disney Resort Anaheim in December 2025, where he once again brought joy to audiences of diverse backgrounds through music and dance.
Motivated by his experiences as a student, Hirokawa was closely involved with the L.A. Kansai Club, which operated student training and internship programs. He worked under the leadership of Dr. Hiroshi Sumiyama, then program committee chair of the L.A. Kansai Club, and later served in support roles with multiple organizations, including the Orange County Japanese American Association, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California, and the Japan Singers Association Friends of America. He became president of the L.A. Kansai Club in 2024.
Hirokawa is remembered for his warmth, energy, and unwavering commitment to community building. His legacy lives on through the traditions he preserved, the students he mentored, and the many lives he touched through music and leadership.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced via Facebook/L.A. Kansai Club.