Toshiko Matsumura Toland

Toshiko Matsumura Toland, 96, was an intrepid traveler, writer, and editor, who made her mark publicly through her work as an interpreter and research assistant for John Toland, the popular historian. She played an important role in the research and interviews for “The Rising Sun,” which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1971. Born in Tokyo in 1928, Toshiko worked as a journalist and editor before marrying Toland and emigrating to America. The two met at the Overseas Press Club after a Japanese interpreter abruptly walked off the job, stymying him and grinding his interviews for “The Rising Sun” to a halt. That evening, somebody informed him that the best interpreter in Japan had just walked in the door and the rest was, as it were, history. Her social aptitude and meticulous attention to detail came to play a pivotal role in primary research for that book and others.

Toshiko had honed her English language skills as a Fulbright Scholar at Kalamazoo College and reminisced fondly about the community of students she met from around the world. She always identified as a global citizen and embraced the dichotomy of the two cultures that she straddled. Despite surviving the fire bombings in Tokyo during WWII as a youth, Toshiko was passionate about her adopted country and was always a gracious (if unconventional) ambassador for her native land. Toshiko lived in Danbury, CT for many years with her husband John and, after his death, eventually relocated closer to her family in Ithaca, NY. Though mental illness limited the last chapter of her life, she was an adoring (if unconventional) mother and grandmother. She passed away peacefully after a long and rich life on December 24, 2024. Toshiko is survived by her daughter, Tamiko, grandson Aidan (Hayward Toland), and family both in Japan and America. She was predeceased by her husband, John, and grandson, Colin (Hayward Toland).

She will be buried at Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve next to her grandson, Colin, in a private ceremony. Calling hours will take place at Lansing Funeral Home on Sunday, December 29, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hopsital in honor of Colin.