A 1.5 generation Nikkei, I was born in Japan to a Japanese mom and African American dad and share life experiences with Sansei. Throughout my life I have lived all across the US and in Japan. Living in diverse geographic areas from Alaska to North Carolina, Kansas to California, New England to Texas, Tokyo to Okinawa have shaped who I am and how I see the world.

An avid sport “guy” I played and coached in Japanese American basketball leagues for almost 30 years before injury retired me. Through my daughter Mariko, I coached Sansei Softball, travel softball and high school water polo. Together she and I are die hard UCLA Bruin Softball fans!!! GO COACH I (Inouye-Perez)!!!

As a college professor I teach Asian American Studies and conduct research in multiracial & ethnic identity and BIPOC community based program evaluation in community health & wellness.