Sayonara Regina
As many of you know, the two things that really make my life worthwhile are people and travel. Thanks to friends like Regina Doi, people are the most important.
Needless to say, I was surprised and a bit shocked when I learned that after 47 years in Japan, Regina was selling her two super successful Aoba International Schools and moving back to the USA.
She’s been so much — mother-figure, sister, helper and first-class friend to so many over the years. Like all of us, she’s had her problems, but with her strong personality, intelligence, sense of humor, philosophy of life, smile, and sometimes even a song, she always manages to come out on top. Her move will really leave a vacuum in the expat as well as the Japanese community here. Like all who have had the privilege of knowing this special human being, this super lady, I will really miss her.
Many thanks, God bless my friend and all the best in your new ventures.
Bill Hersey
A Farewell Letter from Regina
Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight, but never a goodbye. Many of you I known and loved for a long time, others we may have only shared moments. Time is somehow irrelevant. It is those special areas that we have shared that quietly remain. Thank you so much for what you have given me.
Japan after 47 years will always be a part of me, and I go back to America as a good ambassador of Japan and Asia. I return to my America as a far better citizen with a great expectation of what I can share.
Regina Doi
(Regina can be reached at [email protected] as of February 2011).
In the words of her friends …
Regina Rogers Doi is an extraordinary personality who will be sorely missed in this community. Her magnanimous charm and respect for those she has encountered during her incredible career has benefited legions. She has been an influential supporter and mainstay to the many whom she has touched during her life here in Japan.
Children of multi-cultural backgrounds who have experienced her educational blessings are already making a difference in the world. We will dearly miss you Regina, our daikoku bashira and inner strength! May your successes continue on your new path.
With lasting friendship, love and respect,
Sandra, Sei and Daniel Mori
I’ve been blessed to know Regina for a zillion years. Lucky me — Regina’s one of my very best friends! Regina is Tokyo, and Tokyo is Regina. She’s given so much to all of us; it’s really hard to imagine Tokyo without Regina. Somehow we’ll all survive, but it’ll be very different. I will miss her short phone calls.
Marc Gleason
Regina has been one of my closest friends for nearly a half century. Always a friend in deed. Never failed to help me when I was in need. God bless Regina’s new life in America. We miss you!
Jun Takahashi
Dear Regina,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and love during the over 30 years we have known each other.
I would especially like to thank you for guiding me in the early part of my career and your constant support even in the most difficult times. I wish you all the best for your future and will continue to visit you from time to time. I will never forget the laughs, movies, dinners, music, and conversations we shared over the many years.
Till we meet again,
Warmest Regards,
Lance E. Lee
President
Tokyo American Club
I have been asked to write a few words about Mrs. Regina Doi. Ordinarily, this would not be an easy task since I have only known her for just over a year. But in this case, this is not a difficult task at all since I feel that I have known her for many years.
In the short time that I have known Regina I have come to realize that what makes Regina different from many others that have started international schools here in Japan is her true love for children and, in many cases, forsaking the financial side of it. I knew right from the start that she had picked the right career path. I have witnessed the caring and devotion to children that she gives on a daily basis. This is something that most of us have to work at, but for Regina it is a natural gift.
Her many friends and students will certainly miss her but will not forget her when she moves back to the United States. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with her and be her friend.
I wish her all the best in whatever it is that she does with the rest of her life. I am sure that our friendship will not be limited to the borders that will separate us. Regina, may you always keep the love you have for children close to your heart and remember that you have lots of friends here in Japan.
Joe Lestage
