Save the Kawasaki's Home

Masuo (74) and Michiko (69) Kawasaki are my neighbors and are in extreme need. Masuo (Mr. Kawasaki) is a skilled and accomplished master sushi chef who was trained at Kyubei in Tokyo, considered by many as the finest sushi restaurant in the world. The Kawasakis legally immigrated to the United States 35+ years ago, and it wasn’t long until they opened their own restaurant in Washington, D.C., Sushi Kappo Kawasaki. Their commitment to quality attracted Asian corporate executives from around the world who were visiting or working in the DC area as well as diplomatic envoys from Japan and other Asian nations. These customers were attracted to the Kawasaki’s level of quality and authenticity that was otherwise unavailable in the Washington/Baltimore area. These customers represented about 80% of their business.

The Kawasakis made a good living and purchased a modest townhouse in Arlington, VA in 1989, living the American dream. Following 9/11, drastic changes in international travel and business practices to and in Washington eventually led to the downfall and closure of their restaurant. Over time, they have been unable to financially survive.

The remnants of the restaurant were moved into their home and fill the garage and the home wall-to-wall and nearly floor to ceiling along with the debris of fast-food meals on which they are surviving. Four years ago, a water leak they could not afford to diagnose, locate, or repair resulted in the water being turned off followed by their natural gas, and they have been living in the house without heat and water since then.

Mrs. Kawaski broke a leg in 2018 that has not healed correctly, was over prescribed pain meds that left her mentally incapacitated for three years (now resolved), a stroke that left her susceptible to fainting and further injuries, and both of them have developed diabetes. Mr. Kawasaki has become her constant caregiver, refusing to leave her bedside during extended hospitalizations. They are unable to work.

Based on a neighbor complaint, Arlington County Code Enforcement officials entered the home on December 7, 2023, deemed it uninhabitable, and ordered them out of the house effective December 12th until the house has been emptied and necessary repairs made. Another couple in the neighborhood who had already invested $10,000 in the past to cover their HOA fees has now taken them into their home until such time as Arlington County will let them re-occupy their home.

Over the years, they have depleted their savings, investments, and reached the limits of their credit cards. Unable to work, they are struggling to survive on their only source of income which is $3000/month in combined Social Security benefits. Several creditors are threatening foreclosure. After their limited bill payments this month, they have only $200 a neighbor gave them until their January Social Security checks. The Arlington County Division of Aging and Disability Services is involved and supportive, but their $3000/month benefit checks are, believe it or not, above the level of income that would allow public assistance. Selling the home is not an option. Little would be left after creditors were paid, and they would be back in the same situation in which they find themselves…and looking for lodging.

The Kawaskis are kind, unassuming, and apologetic people who normally would never ask for assistance but without your and our help, they are very close to losing their home and ending up homeless. We believe that if we can raise the money to clear their debts, clean the house, and make the necessary repairs to restore the utilities and get them back in the house, they can live frugally in their home for the rest of their lives.

They do not have any family in the United States, family members in Japan are not able to financially help, and returning to Japan is not a viable option.

This is a classic, middle-class story of success to poverty and near disgrace. We realize that everyone has their own financial commitments, but we hope you can open your hearts and your wallets during this holiday season and time of giving to help the Kawasakis save their home and a minimal, frugal way of life.