Japan Airline chief takes off

Tanaka leaves Moses Lake for Kyushu, Japan

MOSES LAKE — Yosuke Tanaka will miss the golf.

"In Japan, too expensive," he says, noting that playing one game can cost $100. It's much cheaper here.

After three years as director of the administration division at Japan Airlines' Flight Crew Training Center, today marks Tanaka's last day.

Beginning Monday, Tanaka will start his new job as international passenger service manager at Fukuoka International Airport, in Fukuoka, on the Kyushu Island, Japan, which he said resembles Seattle in population.

The Japan Airlines head office chose the new position for Tanaka, in much the same manner they selected the Moses Lake position for him.

In his three years here, he said, he has had a good experience, working a lot on training and maintenance, updating and refreshing the operation.

Brenda Martinez, executive assistant in administration, noted that Tanaka also oversees legal contracts with organizations including Alaska Airlines and the Port of Moses Lake.

"We don't want him to go; he's been a great director here," Martinez said of Tanaka. "Plus we'll miss his family, too."

Tanaka coached 11-year-old son Hiroki's baseball and soccer teams.

"I met a lot of kids and families," he said, adding that he enjoyed them.

With his wife of 13 years, Kayo, and son, Tanaka arrived in Moses Lake three years ago. The landscape, with its wide roads and big skies, is much different from Japan, which has a lot of buildings and small houses, he said.

There's also good shopping in Moses Lake and the Tri-Cities, and the aforementioned golfing.

So how does Tanaka feel about leaving?

"So sad," he said. "Everybody (has offered) kindness. I and my family appreciate everything, everybody. Thank you for your kindness."

Port commissioner Delone Krueger called working with Tanaka a wonderful experience.

"I think his professionalism and his ability to communicate with the Port and work on the issues are the things that we need to share together and have common interests on," Krueger said, adding with a laugh, "The only bad thing was, he's a lot better golfer than I am. We are sorry to see him leave, but know that we'll be enjoying a new replacement."

Mako Oshima will take over in Tanaka's position at the Moses Lake office. He will be in the office today for a short visit, Tanaka said, and return in the middle of December.