Acknowledgments vii
Foreword xi
EPISODE I: GROWING UP IN JAPAN, 1949-1972 1
In the context of broader history 5
A difficult childhood 5
The beginning of the U.S.-Japan relationship 11
The shame of a soldier 15
Family history 23
Japan has no natural resource except its people 39
Reaching adulthood 49
Becoming fiercely independent 51
EPISODE II: LIFE IN AMERICA, 1972-2009 73
Coming to America 77
Becoming a mother: A true sense of responsibility 81
Furthering education 88
Becoming an FAA-licensed private pilot 97
Process of assimilation 100
An MBA thesis that landed me a job, or so I thought 105
Chrysler 109
Becoming a U.S. citizen 119
A resignation that was rescinded by Lee A. Iacocca 125
Financial Awakening 151
What happened to my retirement savings? 151
A new set of financial goals 157
A promise to our firstborn son 159
Investing is my new passion 177
A true test of performance 178
Reflections on life 185
Epilogue 207
Appendix A: What Children Need to Know 211
