With heavy hearts, we announce that Nobuo Naito, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished member of the Pensacola community, passed away of natural causes on March 31, 2026, at the age of 76. 

He was born on August 2, 1949, in Nagoya, Japan. In 1975, Nobuo moved to Pensacola with a dream of sharing his culture and passion for Japanese cuisine. He began his journey working at Yamato Japanese Restaurant, where he honed his craft. In 1994, he fulfilled his dream by opening Nobusei Japanese Restaurant, where he proudly served the community for over 25 years. His legacy lives on in the countless memories shared around his hibachi table.

Nobuo is survived by his wife, Machiko; his daughter, Mai; his son-in-law, Travis; and his two granddaughters, Amaia and Reina, who brought him immense joy and pride.

In accordance with his wishes, no funeral service will be held, and his remains will be cremated. In lieu of a service, we invite you to use the comment section to share your favorite memories of Nobuo and celebrate the life he lived. 

In keeping with his love of sharing, especially his prized grapefruits, the family invites planting a tree as a living legacy in his honor. 

My father will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and the lasting impact he made on his family and community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.