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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.

If you’re interested in joining this year’s pilgrimage, here is a link for more information: https://manzanarcommittee.org/2024/02/09/55-pr1/

ABOUT PILGRIMAGE

 22min, 2006

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.

You can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf3t-5JP65M

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

Ruthless is now available on Hulu! Go watch it! It’s a super fun watch!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.dc2bb33f-0e96-427b-a61b-761e535662ac?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9usFQPaqEg4

Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/damaged-2024/umc.cmc.2eyj4d1ys6et1ylreaesmpi8h?action=play

GooglePlay https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=F740P7PI4Xg.P

Fandango: https://www.vudu.com/content/browse/details/Damaged/2983931?cmp=OrganicSearch~Vudu~GoogleWatch

Great review of the new movie Damaged over at the Chicago Sun. Coming out this weekend.

Super excited!

Full article here: https://chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-tv/2024/04/10/damaged-review-samuel-l-jackson-movie-chicago-scotland

Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about the world’s greatest mysteries and darkest corners. We’re kicking off Season 4 with a bang, unraveling the threads of history’s most scandalous conspiracies and unexplained phenomena. From the possibility of octopuses as extraterrestrial gourmets of our oceans to the haunting twists behind the Astroworld tragedy, we’re leaving no stone unturned.

Grab your magnifying glass and join us—we’re examining the intricate fabric of reality itself. What if Winnie the Pooh isn’t just a cuddly children’s character but an allegory for something far more profound? And Bruce Lee’s untimely demise—could it be an ancient martial arts secret or merely an aquatic accident? Be the first to join us on April 18th as we explore whether extraterrestrial forces had a hand (or tentacle) in scripting the Holy Bible, and debate whether our journey could take us plummeting off the edge of a flat Earth—or into an interdimensional safety net. With Dwayne by our side, we’re navigating these mind-bending inquiries and sharing our wildest findings.

Please consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/unofficialofficialstory

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.

Website: http://unofficialofficialstory.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theunofficialofficialstorypod/

X: https://twitter.com/TheUnofOfStory

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unoffoffstorypodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxGCoSTC0bmTk5GVFHP4l3w

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

Strap in for a quick, thrilling recap of our unforgettable third season! We ventured into psychopathic supermarket encounters, delved into past-life ponderings, and toyed with tantalizing alien theories. Remember the chilling Sam Haskell story or the wit of comedian Jasmine Ellis? From skeptics to adventurers, we juggled science, faith, and the supernatural. As we bid this season goodbye, get ready for a cosmic journey next season, debating if our ancestors were chummy with extraterrestrials and dissecting the unofficial, yet oh-so-official tales of our world. Hold on tight!

Please consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/unofficialofficialstory

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. 

Website: http://unofficialofficialstory.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theunofficialofficialstorypod/

X: https://twitter.com/TheUnofOfStory

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unoffoffstorypodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxGCoSTC0bmTk5GVFHP4l3w

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

“He’s toying with you, Glen.” Lionsgate has revealed an official trailer for the film Damaged, a mysterious serial killer action thriller from the UK. It’s now set for release in the US in early April both on VOD and in theaters. The film follows Dan Lawson, a Chicago detective, who travels to Scotland to link up with Scottish Det. Glen Boyd, following the resurgence of a serial killer who’s crimes match an unsolved case that he also looked into five years previous in Chicago. What is the connection? Samuel L. Jackson stars as Lawson, and Scottish actor Gianni Capaldi co-stars as Boyd, also credited on co-writing the screenplay. The official synopsis asks: “How do you catch a brilliant monster?” So this is Silence of the Lambs again? The cast also includes Vincent Cassel, Laura Haddock, John Hannah, Katie Dickie, and Brian McCardie. This doesn’t look as bad as it could, though does seem like another generic serial killer thriller plot. Worth a look.

“Evil is closer thank you think.” How do you catch a brilliant monster? When a sadistic murderer surfaces in Scotland, terrified local authorities call on a Chicago police detective who investigated a killing spree with the same horrific pattern 5 years earlier. Samuel L. Jackson and Vincent Cassel star in this shocking thriller about two detectives with tortured pasts trying to stop a merciless serial killer before he claims his next victim. Damaged is directed by British TV director / filmmaker Terry McDonough, director of the TV movies Instinct and Anthony previously, plus lots of TV work including episodes of “Breaking Bad”, “The Expanse”, “Better Call Saul”, “Cold Feet”, and “Killing Eve”. The screenplay is written by Paul Aniello, Koji Steven Sakai, and actor Gianni Capaldi. It’s produced by Paul Aniello and Roman Kopelevich. Lionsgate will debut Damaged in select US theaters + on VOD starting April 12th, 2024 this spring. Anyone interested?

https://www.firstshowing.net/2024/vincent-cassel-samuel-l-jackson-in-thriller-film-damaged-trailer

In the second episode of the Japanese America Podcast, Koji Steven Sakai and Michelle Malizaki discuss the 1984 film “The Karate Kid,” exploring its portrayal of Japanese culture and reimagining some of its iconic scenes to highlight issues of cultural representation and racism. They touch upon the significance of Mr. Miyagi’s backstory of being in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II and the impact it had on audiences. The episode also speculates humorous updates to the film, such as having all Asians secretly know martial arts or turning Cobra Kai into a K-pop dance troupe.

ABOUT OUR PERFORMERS

Dom Magwili is a lecturer for the Department of Asian American Studies at California State University Fullerton. Dom has been an active novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and actor.

Terence Chin (he/him) (Daniel) is an actor starting in the film industry. Recently graduated from Cal State LA with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. During his years at Cal State LA, Terence has been in numerous plays, musicals, and student films. 

LINKS

“The Karate Kid” 30th Anniversary Panel Discussion, Q+A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjfNyjlLa88&t=1s

Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/karate_kid

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