Towards the end of 1968, Toshio noticed that he had less energy than usual. After a complete physical checkup, tuberculosis was diagnosed and he was admitted to the hospital. Following a surgical procedure to try and stop the spread of the disease, Toshio experienced a slight remission and put every effort into getting his strength back. Unfortunately, by summer of the next year, he was still in the hospital and, rather than improving, his condition was gradually deteriorating. Barely able to sit up, Toshio spent many of his days that summer following the progress of Apollo 11 on TV and was looking forward to watching the launch and man's first walk on the moon. At 2:15 a.m. on July 16, however, he passed away surrounded by those he loved. He was 66 years old.