I am Japanese; born and raised in the USA. Though I am proud of my heritage, I am an American at heart. I’m from a small city in Los Angeles county called Torrance. It’s an average, ordinary, middle-class suburb which seems to suit me fairly well. I consider myself a blue-collar, everyday American. I am a waiter while I pursue Pride & Joy. As for my parents, my mom was a secretary and my dad was a mechanic. We were never rich per se, yet growing up, I always had more than I ever needed. It’s testimony to who my parents are. Their actions taught me a lot about generosity, humility, and gratitude, which as I age I increasingly realize how important these are. I am blessed in so many areas of my life because of my family and because of living in this great country. Pride & Joy is the embodiment of this sentiment. It’s a way of expressing my gratitude. I hope to grow Pride & Joy so I can give back to those around me and to my fellow Americans.