Kanichi Yamamoto (1879-1961)

Kanichi Yamamoto (1879-1961) became the first Japanese Bahá’í in the world in Honolulu in 1902. He later moved to Oakland, California where he worked in the home of Mrs. Helen Goodall.

“‘Abdu’l-Bahá arrived in California on October 3, 1912. His first talk was at the Goodall home later that day.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed in San Francisco at 1815 California Street in a house prepared for Him by Helen Goodall and Ella Cooper. It was Mr. Yamamoto’s privilege to live in the home and serve Him during those never-to-be-forgotten days.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá dearly loved Mr. Yamamotos’s three son and held them each on His knee, talked to them, and gave each one a special names: Hiroshi, the oldest, he called Hassan; Shinji, He named Husayn; and Masao was give the name Farok.

The meeting arranged by Mr. Yamamoto for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to address the Japanese YMCA at the Oakland Japanese Independent Church gave the Master special pleasure because the members were Orientals. The women brought their babies for His blessing, and “He showed great favor to the Japanese friends. ” — Bahá’í News, July 1977, 7.