He is a Japanese American, who was born in New York City, but grew-up in Tokyo. At the age of 15, his family moved to the United States and he attended high school in Houston. Later on his parents returned to Japan, while he stayed to continue his education. He earned a B.A. in 1986 from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, and an M.F.A. in 1993 from the University of Houston.