Fumihiko Mochizuki
MY MOTTO
Begin with Heart
Enjoy Creativity
Finish Works with Whole Soul and Spirit
F.M.
Mochi. Fumihiko Mochizuki. Potter. Photographer. Chef. Translator. Athlete. Adventurer. Friend. A Japanese man of many talents was born on May 1, 1952 in Kofu City, Yamanashi, Japan to Father, Shigemitsu, Mother, Motoka Muramatsu.
Mochi left Japan at age 21 and began his world travels beginning in Brazil where he found various jobs. He had the opportunity to experience the Amazon River on a supply boat, cruising the River and eating whatever the various foods might be on board.
There was a season in Mexico where he did some translating and using the skill he had received in Japan before he left in the industrial field.
Mochi moved on to California where he made lifelong friendships with some beautiful Japanese Ladies. They were able to recently visit Mochi, tour his studio and pick out and take home some of his pottery pieces. These ladies would send him delicacies from his beloved Japan.
California is where God spoke to Mochi in a dream/vision about pottery. He immediately bought a book, took some classes and off he went to the next new chapter and adventure.
Pottery then took Mochi to Boston where he met a fellow potter who became his wife, and a pottery business was begun.
He spent 18 years in Boston but his pottery was to take him to Corry, Pa, where he made another lifelong friend, Robin. Robin’s studio became his. Corry became his home. A new start in a new City in a new business would be the next step of Mochi’s adventure and journey.
Corry is where Mochi honed his skills, and worked his craft. He was inspired to create some signature pieces that he was so proud of and the recipes that went along with two of those pieces. Mochi made a name for himself as he travelled to various states outside of Pennsylvania to art shows where he could display and sell his pottery. That meant more friends, of course, and those very dear friends kept in touch with him all along the way on his journey.
In addition to working very hard at his craft, Mochi was quite the athlete, riding his bike, enjoying yoga and zumba, shooting hoops and working out at the YMCA.
Along the way, being the artist that he was, Mochi took up photography. He had an eye for a flower, a beautiful sky, a church steeple and many other things that came into his view.
The unexpected and unwelcomed came when Mochi was diagnosed with a very serious condition that was to change his life forever. No more turning that wheel. No more creating his beautiful one-of-a-kind signature pieces.
The last year of Mochi’s life was spent in the local nursing home. Mochi worked very hard not to complain. He found the nurses and aids and staff to be so kind and caring and they made his life much better. They truly loved him and he truly loved them.
Mochi watched over his buddy Randy and Randy did the same for him.
A daily text to a friend attested to the Peace that Mochi learned to carry: “Thank God I woke up again today….a new practice for love and smiles.” Those words and that positive attitude kept Mochi able to live out one more day, again and again. Though Mochi did not understand why he was still here on earth in this condition, he knew that God was in control of when he would leave this earth.
There are so many friends to honor and thank and so as not to omit anyone, Mochi would say thank you all for your love and kindnesses through cards, flowers, visits, homemade food, Japanese treats, sushi, trips to the studio, help at the studio, suggestions for caregivers, displaying and selling his wonderful pieces, his wonderful Hospice caregivers, and all the wonderful caregivers in the place where he spent his last days. And, most of all, thank you to the Prayer Warriors who prayed faithfully. That prayer kept him encouraged and uplifted until the day he knew, “I think my time is approaching.” And so, on the morning of Sunday, August 15, 2026, after receiving his morning meal, Mochi said, “I think I am going today.” And shortly thereafter Mochi passed to much anticipated Glory and the chance to meet Jesus face to face.
There will be a celebration of life for our friend Mochi at a later date.