Masao “Stu” Yoshioka

Baker Company, 100th Infantry Battalion

Masao served as a Private First Class in Company B, 100th Infantry Battalion, and saw combat in Italy during World War II. Before the battalion departed for Europe, Masao was known for his athleticism and discipline. He boxed and served as a member of the U.S. Army Fort Dix Fire Department during this period.

Masao was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifices. He had two brothers, Howard and Nobuo Yoshioka, who also served in the military.

After three and a half years of service, he returned home to Honolulu with his bride, Grace Suga of New York, whom he married during the war.

Among his wartime keepsakes was a newspaper clipping and a deeply meaningful letter from his mother, which he carried in his wallet throughout the war. In it, she reminded him to face life with courage, faith, and understanding, assuring him that her prayers and love would always surround him.

In July 1946, Masao and his older brother and co-owner, Harry Y. Yoshioka, opened Harry’s Music Store at 3480 Waiʻalae Avenue. That same year, Masao was voted into the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce, reflecting his growing role in the local business community.

A talented musician, Masao played with the Smile Orchestra, performing at weekend parties, and later with the Hawaii Shochiku Orchestra, where he played saxophone and trumpet beginning in 1947.

In 1949, Tropic Records Limited was formed, with Masao and Harry serving as directors. The company manufactured and distributed phonograph records throughout Hawaiʻi.

As a dedicated member of Club 100, Masao helped organize postwar reunions for veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion. Beginning in February 1948, the veterans gathered at Hananoya Teahouse to reconnect, share fellowship, and reflect on their wartime experiences — traditions that continued annually. He was also active with the Club 100 Dance class (formed in 1974) and Karaoke Kai (formed in 1983), often performing at club events.

In 1950, Masao and Grace welcomed their son, Glenn, while living at their home on 8th Avenue in Kaimukī. Masao later shared his love of travel with his son, journeying together throughout Japan, Europe, Africa, and the mainland United States. In 1986, father and son returned to Japan to tour Hokkaidō and the Japanese Alps.

Masao was also deeply involved in civic and cultural initiatives. In 1952, he became a Director of the Kaimukī Business and Professional Association. After multiple visits to Japan, Masao conceived the idea for the Isle Issei Hawaiian Village, a housing project designed to provide comfortable homes for Issei wishing to spend their later years in Japan. The site was selected in November 1962 on the Izu Peninsula. Along with fellow charter members — including his brothers Yutaka and Nobuo Yoshioka, Mitsuo Shimizu, and Wallace Fujiyama — Masao helped raise an initial $65,000 to launch the project. Plans called for approximately 350 villa-style homes, with nearly 90 families having already applied.

In his personal life, Masao enjoyed golf and bowling and remained active in business and music for many years. He retired as a co-owner of Harry’s Music Store.

Masao “Stu” Yoshioka passed away in 2003 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of military service, entrepreneurship, music, and community leadership.

[Written in 2024 by family friend, Dana Ritchie Fujikake]