Jennifer Fukuyama

Jen was an amazing person! I was one of those people who never met her in real life but was supported by her online over many years on forums. She was always so intelligent, so witty, so passionate. Julian and Megumi, I watched you two grow up through pictures and glowing accounts from your mum. She loved you two so damn fiercely. Please know how much your mum touched so many lives including mine. Lots of love from Tasmania Australia. xox

Jen, I still can’t believe you’re gone. You were one of those rare souls who made the world brighter just by being in it. I’ll always remember our chats—about books, kids, kimono, and all the little things that made life special. You had this way of making people feel valued, always offering a kind word, a bit of encouragement, or just a good laugh when it was needed most.

I think back to when you cheered me on about dressing my child in a kimono, how you always found joy in traditions and the small moments of parenting. You even crossed your fingers for me when I hoped to have another child one day. Those little messages meant the world, and they still do.

You were thoughtful, funny, and endlessly kind. No matter how busy life got, you always made time for the people you cared about. It’s hard to imagine a world without you, but I know your love and warmth live on in Julian and Meg, in all the people you touched, and in the countless little ways you made life better for those around you.

Rest well, my friend. I’ll miss you always.

I knew Jen in Japan and we met at Hard Rock Cafe in Fukuoka once with the kids. We all shared in the struggles of living in Japan. She lived for her children. She was strong and supported so many people, but I hope she knew she was loved and supported back! I also moved back to Canada, and I am so glad that we did. I pray for her children and hope they know she lives in them and will always be their angel.

I first met Jen in Japan when my husband became her colleague. I don’t quite know how to describe it but she was one of those people you met and felt immediately loved and welcomed. We connected over our mutual tallness as women in Japan, and I remember being blown away by her brilliant Japanese and ability to navigate that culture so well while still being HER—strong, sporty, smart, and warm. It’s an impressive balancing act she did so gracefully. Later, when she moved back to this part of the world and was again my husband’s colleague, I was always happy when she was on international work trips and I could hang out with her. She always made me feel at home, literally all over the world. She was special in her dedication. Sending all my love to her kids. You had a special mom.

I met Jen through our online support forum for foreign wives. Her good sense and compassion shone through.
It was a joy to meet her in person at our friend Midori wedding.
A truly lovely soul who loved her family and friends with a special fierce but tender care

When we lose a friend like Jen, we have to remember her life, and everything we shared, not her passing. I have one story form the time Jen and I were working together, and our houses were close by.
I was moving to a new place, and needed to clean up (my embarrassingly untidy) bachelor pad. Jen came round to help (bless her! Who else would have done that?). As we finished, I muttered something like “Sorry it was a bit of a mess”. Walking to the door, Jen replied “Don’ t worry about it! I know guys live to live in messy apartments, with nothing but a can of beer in the fridge.” I felt relieved! But then she turned round and added “That's normal when they're in their 20s. But, Henry, you’re 50! See you at work in the morning!”
It sums up how Jen could help friends, and deliver a joke and a life lesson, all at the same time when they were needed!