What began as a tribute to his late wife, Helene Yoshie, developed into a chronicle of author George Hayakawa’s life with her, and a family history recorded for posterity. Helene Yoshie…My Wife, Our Life: A Memoir is a charming and honest portrait of married life and the Japanese-American immigrant experience. Hayakawa looks back on the beginnings of the couple’s relationship, the births of their children – and eventual loss of their son – and the path that led both Hayakawas to fulfilling careers in the travel and hospitality business.

George Hayakawa is a retired hospitality industry executive. At age 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was sent to Japan, where he fortuitously met young Yoshie Saito. Despite being a terrible dancer and speaking almost no Japanese, Hayakawa convinced Yoshie to see him again… and again… and again!