Miya Kaneko Kobayashi was born in Crystal City, Texas. Her parents emigrated from Japan to Peru where they operated an import/export business. Their family was forced by the American and Peruvian governments to relocate to a camp in Crystal City where they lived for the remainder of World War II. After the war Kobayashi, her four siblings, and her parents lived in New Jersey for a short time eventually settling near San Diego, California. She has three children from her first marriage. After marrying Kenge Kobayashi, she moved to Eugene in 1989 and continues to work in a construction company. Kobayashi is an avid quilter.

Link to interview.