Dear all,
Thank you, as always, for your continued friendship, support, and kindness.
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr. Gen Kato, Director of our hospital, passed away on August 5 at the age of 93.
It is with heartfelt gratitude that we share this news with all of you who supported and cared for Dr. Kato throughout his life.
In accordance with Dr. Kato’s wishes, a private funeral was held with his immediate family and has already taken place. He also wished that we not accept monetary condolences, flowers, or other offerings, and we kindly ask for your understanding and respect for those wishes.
Out of respect for Dr. Kato and his family, we waited until after the funeral to share this news with you.
Throughout his life, Dr. Kato devoted himself wholeheartedly to the advancement of veterinary science and medicine, as well as to promoting the Human-Animal-Nature Bond.
We are deeply grateful to the countless people who supported him and shared in his journey over the years.
In recent years, as his legs and back grew weaker, Dr. Kato was often unable to leave Kobe. Even so, many of you made the effort to come and see him, and the stream of visitors continued until shortly before his passing.
So many of you also stayed in touch with him and showed your love and thoughtfulness until the very end—sending letters, emails, and photographs to share news of your lives, and sometimes even sending him some of his favorite sweets.
Dr. Kato was always deeply touched by your kindness. He often spoke of how grateful he was to have such wonderful friends and acquaintances in his life.
We are currently planning a “Memorial Service” (tentative title) to remember Dr. Kato and celebrate his life together with all of you.
We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to join us, so that we can share our memories of Dr. Kato and remember the many ways in which he touched our lives.
We will share further details once the plans have been finalized. It will take a little time to make the arrangements, but we sincerely hope you will join us when the time comes.
Please know that Daktari Animal Hospital Tokyo Medical Center and Yoyogi Hospital will continue to uphold the principles and values that Dr. Kato cherished throughout his life and will continue providing veterinary care as we have always done.
Once again, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for the many years of friendship, kindness, and warm support you gave Dr. Kato throughout his life.
With heartfelt thanks,
Daktari Japan Co., Ltd.
Shota Nouchi
President and CEO
