Hideo Sakata Founder of LELA International

With deepest sorrow and heavy heart, we sadly inform the family, friends and art community that Hideo Sakata known to his friends and family as ''Sakata san'' left us to join Angeles, on the evening of July 30th, 2023.

Sakata san was survived by his wife, daughter, 3 sons, and his extended family in the USA and Japan.

His passing left a huge vacuum within the Sakata and related families, friends as well as the International and local Art communities, and his former students in the US and Japan (who were in touch with him till the last day of his life on the earth.

Sakata san fought a lengthy fight with various lethal cancers for almost the past decade with dignity and strength that was only of his legendary character., but sadly his body couldn't stand the tremendous pressure and various illnesses.

A wonderful father, husband, mentor, a friend everyone could wish for, The irreplaceable legendary and renowned master artist that wholeheartedly founded the LELA International organization over 45 years ago, and passed the torch before he passed to the new leadership of the organization to continue his legacy and hard work to be the Lantern into the future as he wished.

Sakata san will be with us forever and will be dearly missed and remembered by everyone he touched their lives.

This fundraiser has been organized by his family and friends to accommodate the necessary expenses for the funeral he deserves, as well as the memorial service to celebrate his life with friends and family members.

Your donations and participation in this cause are highly appreciated by his wife and children, as well as Sakata san's soul and spirit.

The memorial service to honor his legacy will be announced to celebrate his life and share his memories.

Thank you

Caroline Talactac ( Daughter)