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Michael K. Yamaoka, 85, most recently of Peachtree City, Georgia, and formerly of South Salem, New York, passed away on June 10, 2026. He leaves behind a life marked by artistic achievement, international friendship, and deep devotion to family. Born in Japan, he attended Waseda University before continuing his studies at Art Center College of Design in California, where he became the first Japanese graduate in advertising and photography.
He built a distinguished career in New York, first as a staff photographer at BBD&O and later as the founder of Yamaoka Studio in Manhattan. Over the course of his career, he worked with leading clients in advertising, publishing, design, and international business. His photography and creative work reflected both precision and imagination, and he earned wide respect for his entrepreneurial spirit and artistic eye.
Michael’s life extended far beyond commercial success. He was deeply committed to building bridges between Japan and the United States through culture, design, and business. His career brought him into collaboration with artists, publishers, executives, and friends across many countries, and he remained grateful for the many encounters that shaped his life.
Above all, Michael was a cherished husband to Audrey and a loving father to his three children, Natasha, Tiffany, and Kenneth. The tragic loss of his son Kenneth became a profound turning point in his life. In the years that followed, Michael turned more fully to his exhibitions in New York, Tokyo, Kyoto, the UK, and Germany, and publishing his book Odyssey as a memorial to his son and a reflection of his own journey.
He is remembered for his creativity, perseverance, generosity, and the warmth he brought to family and friends. His legacy endures through his photographs, his published work, and the many lives he touched.
Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Audrey; his daughter, Natasha Yamaoka and Tiffany Yamaoka; his sons-in-law, Russell Ettinger and Eddie Zimmerman; his grandsons, Dean Ettinger, Ryker Zimmerman, and Kent Zimmerman; his sister, Keri Fujimoto; his brother, Kageaki Yamaoka; and a wide circle of family, friends, and colleagues in the United States, Japan, Germany, and beyond.
He is preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Yamaoka, and his sister, Mami Yamaoka.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on July 18th, 2026, at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan, Connecticut.
Jeff Miller says
Dear Janet ~
Thank you for letting us know about this sad news. I send condolences to you and to Michael’s family.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Anthony Almeida says
Dear Janet,
I am deeply saddened, as I know all members of our Photography group are to hear of Michael’s passing.
He was such a special person and a wonderful photographer!
We will all miss him..
Please extend our condolences to his wife and family
Sincerely,
Anthony Almeida
Cheshire Frager says
Jerry and I are profoundly sorry to learn this news. Mike and Jerry were partners in endeavors and he and Audrey were friends. Our true and deep condolences to Audrey and their family. Mike leaves a legacy of art and personal devotion.
Linda Figliola says
Dear Janet, Thank you for your email. What sad news. My father was a dear friend, as were we all dear friends of Mike and Audrey’s . My deepest condolences and love to Audrey, Natasha,Tiffany, and their families. My father worked with Mike at BBD&O. It was there that they became great friends.
As a family we loved spending time with Mike , Audrey, Natasha and Tiffany.
Mark Battista says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael and his loved ones. Michael’s spirit lives not only in his work but in the way he interacted with others. His friendship and his creativity continue to be a source of inspiration to so many.
Mark Battista
Myra Kreiman says
Janet, it is with my deepest respect and admiration for Mike as a person and an artist that I share my condolences with you, his wife Audrey, his extended family, and wide circle of friends. He will long be remembered.
Roger Rossi says
Roger Rosi
June 26th, 2026ar 5:34 pm
I remember when Michael joined Salmagundi and he started exhibiting his phography with the assistance of his mamger and Salmagundi member Janet Doyle. I think of his visiting our Club and I would sit with him and his wife Audrey, and associate Janet. He was quiet yet had a special flair amongst his contained personality. I have a copy of his book Odyssey among my collection of art books. I already missed Michael’s being at Salmagundi, when he moved to Atlanta.
Roger Rossi
Ken K. Egawa says
We are very sorry to know that we lost one of the nicest guy in New York. Mike Yamaha was the
quiet and nice guy sitting at the bar with so many friends. We missed and pray for his eternal life with his art of photography for ever!!
Keiko Arikawa says
I am deeply saddened. Thank you for letting us know. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Our deepest condolences.
The Christmas card I sent to him recently has been returned and I was worried….
I fondly remember our trip to Germany together – it feels like it was yesterday.
We also had many opportunities to spend time together in Greenwich, CT and in New York, city, and I have nothing but happy memories
of those times. We will miss him but he will be in our hearts forever.
Thinking of him from Hawaii.
Masamichi & Keiko Arikawa
carole teller says
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Michael Yamaha was a wonderful artist who se work added a great deal to the quality of photography at the
Salmagundi Club. My condolences to his family and Janet.
Kenji says
Reflecting, it was my honor to be asked by Mike san to provide some music at one of the many art exhibitions in New York City, where he joined the band and sang “Danny Boy” beautifully. Although our paths crossed a handful of times, each time was meaningful and memorable, with good conversations and a glass of wine. I will miss him dearly—my deepest condolences to you, Janet, and his family.
Thomas Tunberg, director of the Artavita gallery says
Michael Yamaoka was a great artist and a wonderful person. It was our privilege to have him exhibit with us many times at the Artexpo New York art fair. His insights were always remarkable.
Noushin Ehsan says
Dear Audrey, and entire family and friends of Michael Yamaoka,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of beloved Michael. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
He was not only a gifted photographer and a remarkable artist, but also someone whose work touched the lives of many. Through his lens, he captured the beauty of the world with extraordinary talent and sensitivity. His artistic legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him and admired his work.
May the cherished memories we all shared together bring the family and all of us friends comfort and strength during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With deepest sympathy,
Noushin
Irene Christensen says
My deepest condolences to Michaels family.
Clare Vermont says
Dearest Janet. Terrible terrible news. I was hoping your email said he was coming up to visit…..not the case. In the past several
years I have not seen “Little Buttercup” very often. But when I did, his smile and warm embrace was wonderful. I’ll remember him that way. I hope that going forward you take care of you! 💕Clare
Ruth Stevens says
Mike was a great talent and a charming friend to many. I was proud to know him. May he rest in peace.
Corrie de Groot says
Dear Janet
I am so sorry to hear the sad news that Michel passed away. My heartfelt condolences to you, and to Michael’s family.
PETER B TREIBER says
Janet , Audrey and family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss of Michael. From our time at Art Center to our re-connection at the Atlantic gallery, it was a privilege to know Michael and his beautiful photography.
Alexander and John-Patrick Natiku says
Michael, my friend, you were a tremendous light in many people’s lives. Your special way of seeing things brought beauty to all who viewed your images, and enabled them to see the unique vision you had of the world.
For those of us who knew you well we witnessed how devoted you were to your family and friends; we all felt your tremendous loss of your son, Kenneth. Thank you for sharing your life and the people in your world, including Janet, your business manager, who helped bring your message to many diverse countries through exhibitions and the internet.
Apart from your exceptional artistic talent, you possessed a gift of life. Everyone you greeted would see that enigmatic smile which just made them feel better. You shared your time generously and made people you met feel appreciated and special. For over 40 years I have been privileged to call you friend and a kindred traveler in this world. From countless dinners with friends and family and all those Karaoke nights when in your indomitable way of singing the Enka songs would eventually end with your dedication of Danny boy to your son, Kenneth, your spirit continues to live on.
Thank you, my friend, for all that we shared and all that you did for those around you. Rest well and know how much we are all better off for having known you and marked the time with you. To your surviving family, may we always keep your memory alive with recollections of your special Kagemiki way. I will say in ending, “Sotto, sotto, oyasumi nasai”
Love and friendship, Alex and John-Patrick
Irina Zebrari says
I was so incredibly sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. Having known you for so many years, I know how much he meant to you and how deeply this loss hurts.
James Du says
I am deeply saddened by the news of mike’s passing. He was an extraordinary artist, someone who captured and revealed the hidden wonder and beauty of everyday life around us. Looking thru his lens, the view of the world is so much richer and more vibrant. Thanks to you Janet, I am profoundly grateful to have known Mike, his work inspired me and showed me to slow down, to notice, and to appreciate the joy of life as it happens. He will be missed, but the imprint he left, in his art, his kindness, his quiet brilliance, his legacy and the way he inspired others to see differently will stay in our hearts.
Cathy Calve says
My deepest condolences.
For those of us lucky enough to have heard Mike sing “Danny Boy” will understand my profound sorrow to hear the news.
With love.
Nadia says
Dear Janet
we are so sorry to hear the sad news that Michel passed away. Our condolences to you, and to Michael’s family.With deepest sympathy,
With deepest sympathy,
Nadia & Arkadiy.
Eiko Ashizuka says
Eiko Ashizuka
July 3,2026 10:36 pm, Tarumi, Kobe-City, Japan,
Dear Janet,
Through Mr.Iwamoto in N,Y., I knew that Michael had passed away. We missed opportunity to chat and laugh each other in a small town, Tarumi, which used to be a small fishing village in Kobe. I must write to you, Yamaoka-kun now; Even in this small village tall buildings have been added and the primary school we attended has been modernized, but the streets leading to your old house stays the same. Hoping and believing we will surely talk a lot about our adventure and future plan somewhere somehow. Eiko Ashizuka
Leslie Silver says
Dear Audrey, Natasha, and Tiffany,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. It’s so hard to accept that Mike is gone — the world without his shining presence and vibrant personality just doesn’t seem right. But his artwork leaves behind a poignantly beautiful legacy, and I’m lucky to have a few pieces. They are daily reminders of his friendship, as well as his artful vision and sensitivity.
There will always be a special place in my heart for Mike, and I’m holding you all close with him there. Wishing you comfort and strength at this difficult time.
— Leslie
Christl Pelikan-Geismann says
Dear Janet,
Gerd and my deepest sympathy to you and Michael’s family!
I can see Michael, a man of so many talents, “up there”, already taking pictures of clouds “upside-down”, smiling about all the love and admiration we are expressing here for him! I was so lucky to be able to organize more than 10 Exhibits for Michael in Germany! What wonderful memories! Michael was loved and admired in each town and each opening speech ended with him singing, of course, Danny Boy! I have let my German friends who remember him so well, know, they all send their condolences. Michael’s famous Rooftop Posters are still to be found around town. Thank you Michael for opening our eyes to so much hidden beauty everywhere. I never forget the shock on the various Mayors’ and Guides’ faces trying to point out beautiful landmarks of their towns and Michael turning around taking pictures of broken-up walls and buildings instead and how beautiful those pictures turned out to be at the Exhibits.
Thank you Michael for touching so many lives, near and far, you will be missed!
Jessica Weber says
Dear dear Janet,
I am so saddened for your loss. I remember him so fondly at BOMC and beyond.
As we say in Judiasm,
May his memory be a blessing,
Much Love,
Jessica
Af and Nilou Assur says
Dear Janet,
Af and I are deeply saddened to hear of Michael’s passing.
Michael was a truly gifted artist whose talent and unique perspective brought joy to so many. We have always admired his work, especially the remarkable photograph of the Empire State Building reflected in a puddle of water. It perfectly captured his extraordinary ability to find beauty in the simplest of moments.
We have fond memories of meeting Michael and talking with him at his exhibitions. His warmth, passion for his art, and generous spirit made those conversations as memorable as the artwork itself.
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and his family. We hope that your cherished memories of Michael, together with the lasting legacy of his beautiful art, will bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
With love and heartfelt condolences,
Hiro Yamagishi says
Yamaoka -San ,
May your heart and soul find peace
and comfort.
Bob oconnell says
I was telling a man in Florida today about Mike and Toke and working at BBD&O and his daughters wish to go to Japan to continue her illustration career and looked up Mike and I am truly sorry to learn that he has passed . We had hoped to meet you guys at Disney in Orlando Condolences to Audrey and the family, Bob and Barbara OConnell