Born and raised in New York City, Yeiichi “Kelly” Kuwayama was a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Business School. He served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in its medical unit and is credited with saving the late Senator Daniel Inouye’s life. He served as the US General Manager for Nomura Securities after working with them in Japan. He also held several positions with the US government. Kelly’s parents owned the Miyako Restaurant, one of the first Japanese restaurants in New York City, which they established in 1910.