Biography
Born in Watsonville, California in 1913, Ochi moved to Japan to live with his grandparents after the death of his mother. While in Japan, Ochi learned calligraphy and Japanese brush painting. After returning to California in 1924, Ochi attended the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. He apprenticed with Fox West Coast Theatres for a few years and eventually made his way to managing 17 theaters. At that time, Ochi also created graphic designs and actor portraits displayed at the theaters. Ochi was the first president of the San Mateo Japanese American Citizens League.
Due to the effects of World War II, Ochi, along with many Japanese-Americans, was deported from the West Coast. Upon settling in Nampa, Idaho, Ochi continued his work for the Fox West Coast Theaters until further prejudices forced him to relocate once again in 1943. Idaho Falls proved to be a more accepting city, allowing Ochi to make the move permanent by opening a commercial art and sign shop business. Ochi helped found the Idaho Falls Art Guild and was the president of the Idaho Art Association. While in Idaho, Ochi taught art classes at schools, universities, as well as workshops in Idaho and Wyoming.
Claiming to have painted more than 10,000 watercolors, Ochi's contributions to the state art community and in other local clubs led to his achievement of one of the "100 Citizens Who Made a Difference for the State."