Michael Raymond Naoki Adachi

Michael Raymond Naoki Adachi, known affectionately as DJ MikeD, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and grew up in Nanakuli. He attended St. Joseph’s Parish School in Waipahu, Maryknoll High School in Honolulu, and graduated from ‘Aiea High School in ‘Aiea. From humble beginnings and despite many challenges, he forged a remarkable career as a musician, often saying that DJing saved his life.

A gifted DJ, emcee, and creative spirit, Michael was also an avid baseball player, martial artist, golfer, and artist. He held a deep love for media, from classic shows like MacGyver, Daria, and The Lord of the Rings to video games on the NES and PlayStation, and he enjoyed watching sports broadcasts while imitating the announcers. Resourceful and endlessly curious, he began remixing music in high school and started working at age 16 for Mystical Sounds Production. That early passion grew into a lifelong dedication to his craft. He continued to spin, create, and innovate, eventually becoming a mentor and leader to many aspiring musicians while also serving as a manager and radio engineer.

Michael lived in Honolulu, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and finally Cleveland. Wherever he went, he had a special talent for building community through DJ collectives, creative collaborations, and by simply opening his home to like-minded people. He formed deep, lasting friendships and created welcoming spaces centered on music, creativity, and shared passions. He held a special place in his heart for children and was especially excited about becoming an uncle, looking forward to sharing his humor, wisdom, and love of life with the next generation.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Adachi; brother, Christopher Adachi; sister-in-law, Aziza Syed; niece, Chiara Adachi; his girlfriend, Katie Miyoshi; his BFF, Christina Petre; and countless friends across the mainland and Hawaii.