Koji Steven Sakai

The first six chapters of my new graphic novel “442” have been released for free on the comic reading app “Stela Unlimited”. Written by Phinny Kiyomuraa and myself, and illustrated (in beautiful watercolor) by Robert Sato, “442” is based on one of World War II’s most compelling and important stories. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was the U.S. Army’s Japanese American segregated fighting regiment. The 442nd would become the most decorated unit of the War, […] Continue »

1st 6 Chapters of “442” Graphic Novel is Now Available

February 16, 2017 by ksakai1

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The first six chapters of “442” will release TODAY for FREE on the comic reading app “Stela Unlimited”. The app is available to download for FREE.

It’s confusing because the app info in itunes will say a subscription is $9.99 per month, but I think that applies only to certain content. The app itself and “442” chapters 1-6 should be free to view.

For more info visit Stela and https://stela.com/

Written by Koji Steven Sakai and Phinny Kiyomura, and illustrated by Rob Sato, “442” is based on one of World War II’s most compelling and important stories. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was the U.S. Army’s Japanese American segregated fighting regiment. The 442nd would become the most decorated unit of the War, and the most decorated unit of its size and length of service in American history. Even with their families confined behind barbed wire in American concentration camps, these soldiers fought to rescue a Texas battalion lost behind enemy lines. A fictionalized account based on the actual events, “442” follows young Japanese Americans soldiers as they suffer prejudice, internment and terrible casualties in in their battle to rescue the Lost Battalion.

“442” releases on a historic weekend. This upcoming Sunday, February 19th, is known in the Japanese American community as the “Day of Remembrance” and marks the 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9066 which authorized the imprisonment of up to 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry, around two thirds of whom were American citizens. The artist Rob Sato wrote, “While I think this piece of history should always maintain a solid place in the collective memory of the United States and the world, it’s relevance to current events is clear and urgent.”

Here are a few of my favorite panels from Chapter 1. The entire comic is hand painted in watercolor by Rob.

Comedy InvAsian Opening Night

February 11, 2017 by ksakai1

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8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Atsuko Okatsuka

February 10, 2017 by ksakai1

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Atsuko Okatsuka

By Koji Steven Sakai on Feb 09, 2017 02:00 pm
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to produce a one hour special for the super talented Dwayne Perkins called Take Notes. (If you want to check it out, it’s on Netflix). It was a fun and great project to work on. That’s why when director/producer Quentin Lee and I were trying to figure out our next project, doing a stand up series featuring Asian Americans made sense. Comedy InvAsian is what came out of […] Continue »

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Joey Guila

February 7, 2017February 7, 2017 by ksakai1

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Joey Guila

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to produce a one hour special for the super talented Dwayne Perkins called Take Notes. (If you want to check it out, it’s on Netflix). It was a fun and great project to work on. That’s why when director/producer Quentin Lee and I were trying to figure out our next project, doing a stand up series featuring Asian Americans made sense. Comedy InvAsian is what came out of […] Continue »

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Amy Hill

February 2, 2017 by ksakai1

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Amy Hill

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Robin Tran

January 31, 2017 by ksakai1

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Robin Tran

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Paul PK Kim

January 26, 2017January 26, 2017 by ksakai1

8Questions: Comedy InvAsian with Kevin Yee

January 24, 2017 by ksakai1

Win A Pair of Comedy InvAsian Tickets!

January 17, 2017 by ksakai1

Would you like to win 2 free Comedy InvAsian tickets to a show of your choice? Just post on your social media and say: “I support Asian American comics. I heart Comedy InvAsian, http://www.ComedyInvAsian.com”, take a screen shot of it, and email it to comedyinvasian@gmail.com (be sure to tell us which show you want to go to.) It’s that simple!

Comedy InvAsian is both a live and filmed series featuring the nation’s top and most unique six Asian American comedians each performing a one-hour special.

February 10-12 and February 24-26, 2017

$20 for General Admission
$10 for Students (ID required at door)
$80 for Series Pass (see all six shows)
$40 for Student Series pass (see all six shows)

All shows will be at the Japanese American National Museum’s Tateuchi Democracy Forum (100 N. Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012). Click here for parking, area map, etc. Please note that this is a live taping so come early and be prepared to laugh!

Friday, February 10, 2017
9:00 PM
Paul “PK” Kim

Paul PK Kim (PK stand for Paul Kim and Preachers Kid) is a regular at The World Famous Laugh Factory in Hollywood. He was the Grand Prize Winner of The Uncle Clyde’s Comedy Cup at The Pasadena Icehouse sponsored by H2F Productions.

Buy tickets for PK’s show here.

Saturday, February 11, 2017
7:30 PM
Atsuko Okatsuka

Atsuko Okatsuka is a standup comedian, actress, and filmmaker. She is the co-founder of Dis/orient/ed Comedy, the first ever all Asian, mostly female standup comedy tour. She has performed on Comedy Central Presents: Stand Up, Asia! and opened for Margaret Cho at The famous Wiltern in Los Angeles.

Buy tickets for Atsuko’s show here.

Sunday, February 12, 2017
7:30 PM
Kevin Yee

Kevin Yee and his original satirical songs have been making people laugh across America and beyond. He is a former member of Quincy Joness boy band Youth Asylum and toured in many Broadway productions. In addition, he has been featured in articles in The Atlantic, Out, and The Guardian, and showcased at comedy festivals across the U.S.

Buy tickets for Kevin’s show here.

Friday, February 24, 2017
7:30 PM
Joey Guila

Joey Guila has been featured on VH1, G4 Tech TV, Showtime and was the headliner on The Filipino Kingz Tour. In 2003 he won the regional “Kings Of Comedy Search” competition. Joey also has hosted two TV shows on Myx TV called That’s My Jam & Myx Rated which won a Telly Award.

Buy tickets for Joey’s show here.

Saturday, February 25, 2017
7:30 PM
Robin Tran

Robin Tran came out as a transgender woman in 2015 and has been writing about her experiences ever since. Based out of Orange County, Robin has performed all over Southern California, and she has won first place in three separate comedy competitions. In 2016, she released a self-funded half-hour comedy special on YouTube entitled Santa Doesn’t Like Every Kid.

Buy tickets for Robin’s show here.

Sunday, February 26, 2017
7:30 PM
Amy Hill

Amy Hills television and film credits number over 150. She is recently recurring on “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”, “UnReal” and “The Great Indoors”. She’s a regular on Amazon Prime’s “Just Add Magic” which is currently streaming the first season and is set to release seasons 2 and 3 early next year.

Buy tickets for Amy’s show here.