Kyle Sexton's life in Japan began in a New York sushi restaurant decades ago. It was there the Pennsylvania native developed a sudden obsession with the faraway land. On impulse, he made his way here in 1984 with no job and only $300 in his pocket.

Now 51, Sexton has been in Tokyo ever since. With his wife, Shimizu Hikage, 50, they opened a bakery and raised four kids.

"I'm still fascinated with Japan," he said.