Seiji Shikina

Seiji Shikina, born on March 2, 1940, in Okinawa, Japan, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, surrounded by his family's love. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Seiji's final moments were shared with his wife of 57 years and children, who were by his side as he took his last breath.

As a young boy, Seiji served as an altar boy, a role that marked the beginnings of a life rooted in service and quiet devotion in his Catholic faith. He went on to graduate from Ryukyu University in Okinawa before marrying his wife, Shigeko. They then emigrated to the United States. He and Shigeko began their lives in America in Lincoln, Nebraska, before moving to Missouri, and then settling for many years in Lafayette, Louisiana, where they raised their family. Seiji spent 15 years as a dedicated graduate student, earning multiple degrees and ultimately earning a Ph.D. in English Literature. In 1987, Seiji moved his family to Columbus, Ohio, which would become his home base for the remainder of his life.

A man of intellect, compassion, and inner strength, Seiji wore many hats throughout his life. He was an English professor; the founder of Bilingual Columbus, a successful translation business; and Provost at the former Tokyo campus of the University of Rio Grande. After retiring, Seiji devoted himself to volunteer work around the world with Shigeko, serving communities in Ukraine, Kenya, Philippines, Thailand, Laos, Bali, Mexico, China, Sri Lanka, India, Peru, Cambodia, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Colombia.

Beyond his professional and humanitarian contributions, Seiji had a rich inner life. He was a poet, a passionate shakuhachi player and an enthusiastic harmonica player, often filling his home with music. Seiji valued learning. There was nothing he could not accomplish if he put his mind to it. He loved to golf, fish, play chess, and take his family on vacations from camping to road trips.

With a persistent droll sense of humor, Seiji loved teasing others with a stern look or expression of surprise. He adored nurturing the younger generation. Seiji remained a loyal Okinawan throughout his life, always honoring his roots.

He is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Shigeko Shikina; his sister, Ikuko Ishigaki; his four children: Alice, Helen, Edward, and Robert; and his four grandchildren: Vladimir, Griffin, Alex, and Sky. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the music he played, and the wisdom and humor he shared with all who knew him.

A private funeral Mass will be celebrated by his son, Father Ed Shikina, with the family at Resurrection Cemetery.