Koji Steven Sakai
Writer | Producer | Creator | Educator
Koji Steven Sakai is a prolific storyteller whose career is defined by versatility, moving seamlessly between high-stakes action films, hit podcasts, and the classroom. As the founder of Little Nalu Pictures LLC, Koji has built a body of work that spans nearly every major streaming platform, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+.
Film & Television
With 12 produced feature screenplays and nine films as a producer, Koji is a mainstay in the indie and studio worlds alike. His writing credits include a diverse range of titles such as Boneyard, Damaged, The Commando, and Skeletons in the Closet. His script Romeo, Juliet, & Rosaline was notably optioned by Amazon Studios.
Koji’s filmography is a “who’s who” of industry icons, featuring collaborations with Samuel L. Jackson, Mel Gibson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Randall Park, RZA, and Mackenyu. Recently, he expanded his television footprint as a writer for the Disney+ series House of the Owl and as the producer of the acclaimed series Comedy InvAsian.
Literature & Graphic Novels
Beyond the screen, Koji is a celebrated author known for blending genre tropes with cultural depth. His books, including Romeo & Juliet Vs. Zombies and Secession, showcase his ability to subvert expectations. He also authored the graphic novel 442, a moving tribute to the Japanese American soldiers of WWII, and has contributed to high-profile anthologies alongside figures like George Takei.
Digital & Audio Storytelling
In the audio space, Koji is a chart-topping creator and a leading voice in modern podcasting. His narrative series, Un-History, showcases his knack for immersive storytelling, while his podcast Elucidity hit #1 on Apple’s fiction charts in its debut week. Additionally, his hit show The Unofficial Official Story consistently averages over 50,000 downloads per episode. Whether through mystery or humor, Koji’s ability to captivate and engage listeners has established him as a premier talent in the digital audio landscape.
Mentorship & Education
A graduate of USC’s Masters of Professional Writing program, Koji is deeply committed to paying his success forward. A former fellow of Film Independent’s Project: Involve and the PGA’s Power of Diversity Workshop, he now serves as a judge for the Humanitas Prize and teaches at UCLA Extension. His previous appointments include USC, Chapman University, and the New York Film Academy.
Personal
Koji lives in South Pasadena, California, with his wife, their spirited teenage son, and a mischievous Shepherd mix who truly runs the household. When he isn’t crafting plot twists, he can be found cheering for the Lakers or overseeing his roles as a co-owner of Angel City Jiu Jitsu and the So Cal Nationals youth baseball organization. Whether he’s on the mats, in the dugout, or in the writers’ room, Koji brings the same “all-in” fire to every pursuit.
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Koji Steven Sakai 