John K. Inadomi Video

Honoring the Past

As a journaler, I’ve come to believe that recording the past is only the beginning. What delivers the deepest meaning for me is finding ways to honor the lives and legacies that have shaped my own. In 1997, to mark the centennial of my grandfather John Kaichiro Inadomi’s birth, we produced a one-hour documentary on his extraordinary life. In the liner notes accompanying the original VHS tape, I included this passage:

“Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some others have greatness thrust upon them.”

– William Shakespeare

The life of John Kaichiro Inadomi exemplified all three aspects of greatness.

He was born into a distinguished family whose historical lineage dates back to sixteenth-century Japan.

As a self-educated man, he achieved greatness by combining his remarkable intuition with perseverance and a legendary capacity for hard work. And, finally, he had greatness thrust upon him.

John K’s greatness, however, came hidden in adversity, which he redefined as challenge. . . and ultimately transformed into opportunity.

Born one hundred years ago in rural Japan, John K. Inadomi died in 1979 a true American.

May all future generations of the Inadomi family aspire to lead their lives by his example.