This episode delves into the complex intergenerational impacts of identity and citizenship within a Japanese American family, particularly focusing on the decisions made by Koji’s grandfather, Takaiichi Sakai, during his incarceration in a WWII concentration camp. Featuring actor Derek Mio, the episode combines personal stories with historical analysis, exploring themes of loyalty, cultural belonging, and the heavy consequences of choosing between nationalities. Through candid conversations and reenactments, the hosts examine the lasting effects of their ancestors’ choices on their own identities and the broader community.
ABOUT OUR READER
Derek Mio is an actor and comedian from Huntington Beach, CA. He portrays real-life recipient Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura in the Netflix anthology series Medal of Honor–executive produced by Robert Zemeckis–and is the lead actor in the second season of the critically acclaimed AMC anthology series The Terror co-starring George Takei and executive produced by Ridley Scott. He is the creator and host of ‘The BudoComedy Show’ held at the Terasaki Budokan non-profit rec center in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles featuring comedians such as Atsuko Okatsuka, Al Madrigal, Sheng Wang, Ian Bagg and more–the show has raised over $10,000 for the facility. Derek earned a Bachelor of Arts from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. His hobbies include surfing, fishing, birding, and wrangling his 2-year-old son.
ABOUT US
Welcome to “Japanese America,” where the Japanese American National Museum unveils captivating stories that add a Nikkei slant to the American narrative. In each episode, we explore Japanese Americans’ unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey showcasing the diverse tapestry of a community that has shaped the American story in extraordinary ways. Welcome to “Japanese America,” where each story unfolds like a chapter in a living history book.
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org.
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum
In this martial arts-themed podcast episode, hosts Cat, Dwayne, and Koji humorously dive into Bruce Lee’s world. To honor Asian Pacific Heritage Month, they pay a funny yet heartfelt tribute to Bruce Lee and share outlandish theories about his early demise—was he killed because of a family curse or for some other nefarious reason?
What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous conspiracies, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening.
Dive headfirst into the cosmic conundrum of extraterrestrial morality and history’s hidden alien influences with the dynamic trio, Cat, Dwayne, and Koji, in this laughter-laden podcast episode. They ponder the mysteries of the universe, debate whether a “don’t be an asshole” policy could work for intergalactic relations, and humorously hypothesize about Biblical figures following alien GPS systems. Joining them is the wittily introspective comedian Nick Guerra, who shares the trials of his comedic journey and the perplexing nature of parking fees. It’s a rollicking ride through the quirky possibilities of ancient astronaut theories and human civilization’s star-studded past, all while tickling your funny bone and stretching your imagination to the farthest reaches of the galaxy.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/unofficialofficialstory ABOUT OUR GUEST Nick Guerra is definitely a comedian that will catch you off guard BUT in a good way. His comedy has been described by his fans as a hilarious soul cleansing experience. A stand up comedian that wants people to not only enjoy his show but leave enjoying life in general. Nick has been featured on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, has a Dry Bar comedy special “Enjoy Life” and an HBO half hour comedy special “Love Me At My Worst”. He made his TV debut on the Comedy Central show “Stand Up Revolution with Gabriel Iglesias” and was a fan favorite on NBC’s Last Comic Standing.
ABOUT US What are “they” not telling us? We’ll find out, figure out, and, when all else fails, make up the missing pieces to some of the most scandalous conspiracies, unexplained phenomena, and true crime affecting our world today. Join comedian Dwayne Perkins, writer Koji Steven Sakai, and comedian/actor/writer Cat Alvarado on The Unofficial Official Story Podcast every month, and by the end of each episode, we’ll tell you what’s really…maybe…happening.
CREDITS The intro and outro song was created by Brian “Deep” Watters. You can hear his music at https://soundcloud.com/deepwatters. Written by Koji Steven Sakai Hosts: Cat Alvarado, Dwayne Perkins, and Koji Steven Sakai Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts Michelle Malizaki and Koji Steven Sakai delve into the history of the Manzanar pilgrimage. They discuss its historical significance, personal connections, and the necessity of education to prevent similar injustices.
Directed & Edited by Tadashi Nakamura – tadashinakamura.com
Produced by Karen L. Ishizuka
Exec. Produced by Robert A. Nakamura
PILGRIMAGE tells the inspiring story of how an abandoned WWII concentration camp for Japanese Americans has been transformed into a symbol of retrospection and solidarity for people of all ages, races and nationalities in our post 9/11 world.
With a hip music track, never-before-seen archival footage and a story-telling style that features young and old, PILGRIMAGE reveals how the Japanese American community reclaimed a national experience that had almost been deleted from public understanding. PILGRIMAGE shows how the annual Manzanar Pilgrimage now has new meaning for diverse generations who realize that when the US government herded thousands of innocent Americans into what the government itself called concentration camps, it was failure of democracy that would affect all Americans.
Welcome to “Japanese America,” where the Japanese American National Museum unveils captivating stories that add a Nikkei slant to the American narrative. In each episode, we explore Japanese Americans’ unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey showcasing the diverse tapestry of a community that has shaped the American story in extraordinary ways. Welcome to “Japanese America,” where each story unfolds like a chapter in a living history book.
For more information about the Japanese American National Museum, please visit our website at www.janm.org.
CREDITS
The music was created by Jalen Blank
Written by Koji Steven Sakai
Hosts: Michelle Malazaki and Koji Steven Sakai
Edited and Produced by Koji Steven Sakai in Conjunction with the Japanese American National Museum
Koji Steven Sakai 