Ken Mochizuki, Celebrated Author of “Baseball Saved Us,” Passes Away After a Courageous Battle With Cancer

May He Rest In Peace!

September 22, 2026

This article was last updated by Sanjib Sah on September 22, 2026

Ken Mochizuki, the beloved author of Baseball Saved Us, passed away on September 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and countless readers who admired his work.

Tributes have poured in from across the country, reflecting on his humility, kindness, and the powerful impact of his words.

Following his passing, one tribute shared on Facebook read:

Another tribute remembered his early years in Los Angeles:

Ken Mochizuki passed away on September 20th after battling cancer. We knew Ken during his time in Los Angeles while he was pursuing his dreams as an actor 1976-1981. Ken played my son in an Ed Sakamoto play. We’d make trips down to the beach to improve our tans since the play took place in Hawaii. Ken developed a deep affection for Taiko – Japanese Drumming. He got the nickname, Taiko-ya. He also had an interest in writing. What sticks out most in my memories of Ken was his choice to go back home to Seattle

Via

The Seattle JACL Facebook page also shared a heartfelt message:

The family of Ken Mochizuki, who passed away on September 20 after battling cancer, expresses gratitude to friends, colleagues and extended family who accompanied Ken in his last days, providing rides, meals, memories, honors and presence. Your friendship and care enlivened and enriched his life. Those who wish to remember Ken can donate to the Wing Luke Museum or the International Examiner. A celebration of life will be planned in the near future.

Via

Ken Mochizuki has been named a featured recipient of this year’s Community Voice Awards by the International Examiner in recognition of his leadership in journalism.

The International Examiner, where Ken built much of his journalism career, will honor him posthumously with the Community Voice Award at its Gala Banquet on October 23, 2026.

The ceremony, Community Voices Awards 2026: Celebrating Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and American Leaders, will be hosted at Diamond Bay Restaurant.

Although Ken will not be there in person, his spirit and legacy will be deeply present throughout the evening.

Recently, in August 2026, the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) also celebrated Ken by presenting him with its distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lori Matsukawa, co-founder of the AAJA Seattle chapter, praised him by saying:

He is one of the few Asian American men breaking the ceiling for many of us to enter careers in film, on stage, in journalism, in TV news production and as authors of historical fiction for children.

Via

Sadly, the world has lost a remarkable storyteller and advocate. His work in breaking barriers and highlighting Asian American voices will continue to inspire future generations.

Even though he is no longer with us, his impact on literature, journalism, and the arts will be remembered forever.

Memorial services for Ken Mochizuki are pending, with details to be announced soon.

The Inspiring Career of Ken Mochizuki: From Journalist to Children’s Book Author

Born on May 18, 1954, in Seattle, Washington, Ken Mochizuki grew up in the multicultural Beacon Hill neighborhood.

During World War II, his Japanese American parents were forcibly to internment camps, including the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho.

Mochizuki earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Washington in 1976.

Before becoming an author, he pursued a career in acting in Los Angeles from 1976 to 1981, mainly performing on stage with a few screen roles, including an episode of “M*A*S*H.”

From 1985 to 1996, he worked as a journalist and freelance writer for Seattle publications and national magazines.

Ken Mochizuki proudly showcases his beloved book, Baseball Saved Us ,in 1995 (Source: )

In 1993, he published his acclaimed children’s picture book, “Baseball Saved Us,” through Lee & Low Books.

The story is set during World War II and follows a Japanese American boy, nicknamed Shorty, who is sent to an internment camp with his family.

In the camp, Shorty’s father builds a baseball field, giving the people there something meaningful to do and a sense of everyday life.

The book has been praised for showing the internment experience in a thoughtful way and for inspiring young readers.

Mochizuki’s other works “Heroes” (1995), “Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story” (1997), “Beacon Hill Boys” (2002), and “Be Water, My Friend: The Early Years of Bruce Lee” (2006), among others.

Throughout his life, Mochizuki remained dedicated to telling stories that educated and uplifted communities.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • His grandparents moved from Japan to the Seattle area in the early 20th century.
  • In 1999, he was hired by the United States Army to give presentations on the history of Asian Americans in the U.S. military.
  • Check other Articles on

Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

Related articles

May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

May 8, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

    - May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

    - May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

    - May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...

    - May 12, 2026 Residents of Dromore, Co. Down, are calling for action after a deeply concerning incident at the local play park, where older children were reported...

    - May 11, 2026 A video circulating on Facebook has sparked a heated debate among Bell Gardens residents after police were called on a group of kids riding...