Comic book aficionado Dorian Reyes Black joins us in a captivating excursion through the alleys of Gotham and the boundless universe of DC, where we tackle the tantalizing ‘what ifs’ of Batman’s lore and the enduring appeal of the Joker’s mayhem. We explore the gravitational pull of Batman and his cohort within the DC realm, and Dorian shares his transformation from a Marvel partisan to a connoisseur of DC’s deep-seated narratives, as we celebrate the human resilience and societal roles reflected in our beloved caped crusaders.
Super excited to announce the show I wrote three episodes for!
Min Tanaka x Mackenyu Arata, social drama “A Man Called Owl” to be released on April 24th
“House of the Owl” (original title), which was announced as an original drama series for Disney Plus “Star” starring Min Tanaka and Mackenyu Arata, has now been renamed as “A Man Called Owl” in Japanese. Exclusive distribution will be decided from Wednesday, April 24th. The film takes on the challenge of a new genre: a social political drama that delves into the taboos and behind-the-scenes aspects of the nation.
Min Tanaka plays Ryutaro Ogami, also known as “The Owl” Ryutaro Ogami, also known as “The Owl”, is the mastermind behind the nation who has solved all sorts of scandals and sensational incidents, sometimes by covering them up and sometimes by exposing them to the light. Contrary to his father, who is like a dark hero and repeatedly works behind the scenes to “correct the path,” Oishinryu lives a life that is the opposite and advocates “justice.” The son of the next prime minister candidate, who had close ties with the Ogami family, dies under mysterious circumstances, and Ryutaro approaches the true nature of the great evil lurking in the political world, with Ryutaro from behind the scenes and Ryu from the front. Min Tanaka, the “father” who “corrects the course” and Mackenyu Arata, the “son” who wants to “correct the world” The main character, Ryutaro Ogami, will be played by Min Tanaka, who is also known as a world-renowned dancer and support player. Ryutaro’s son, Ryu Ogami, will be played by Mackenyu Arata, who has appeared in numerous hit movies and is currently active overseas. A father who works behind the scenes to “correct the course” and a son who directly acts to “correct the world,” a father and son who are polar opposites, use the same incident as a turning point to take action. The teaser visual released this time shows Ryutaro staring at us with his sharp eyes, just like an owl. As symbolized by the copy, “His eyes see through the darkness of this country,” the visuals raise expectations for Tanaka’s role as Ryutaro, who acts behind the scenes as the nation’s mastermind. The executive producer and scriptwriter for this film is David Shin of Iconic Pictures, who is known for the hit drama “The Love That Spends Time” and works on producing and distributing content from Japan and other Asian countries. He has held senior management positions at major film, television, and media companies in Asia for more than 25 years, and he has taken on forbidden themes that could not be depicted with Japanese staff and cast alone, and is presenting the best of Japan and overseas that only Disney+ can do. Create works that combine. Shin expressed confidence, saying, “It was a wonderful collaboration between Japanese and international talent to bring this unique work to life.” In addition, the directors will be Yoshitaka Mori of “Space Brothers,” “Sacred Youth,” and “Parallel World Love Story,” Yuya Ishii of “Moon,” “Knitting a Boat,” and “Inazuma in Love,” and “Noise” Filmmakers such as Yusaku Matsumoto of “It’s All My Fault” and “Winny.” The three artists, who have drawn fascinating human dramas in a variety of works, will enliven this original drama series on a grand scale that can only be found on Disney Plus, while interweaving intricate storylines and thrilling depictions. Director Mori, who was in charge of the main production, said, “I was moved day by day by the acting that only Min could do, throwing 100% of his body into every scene.” “Kenyu Maca did not have to worry about unnecessary embellishments or calculations.” He highly praises the main cast members Tanaka and Arata, saying, “He cuts down and enters the scene with a high degree of concentration and an overwhelming sensitivity hidden within. He is an amazing actor.” Looking back, he said, “It was like a real parent and child,” as the two played a “serious battle” as they played the role of a parent and child with a special relationship. Expectations are high for this world-class original drama series, which will feature the chemical reactions created by a gorgeous cast and the collaboration of talented overseas and Japanese creators. Full comment ◆ David Shin (Executive Producer & Screenplay) What makes Japan’s political intrigues and suspicions unique is the role of powerful people known as masterminds. They have played important roles in many fields such as business, politics, and entertainment. Although this story is completely fictional, the characters are inspired by many people I met while working and living in Japan. When I was working in this country as a businessman, there were things I didn’t understand and felt the power behind many transactions. I thought that not only foreigners but also many Japanese people felt shrouded in mystery, so I became interested in mysterious figures who wield power and influence. What I wanted to try was to create a contemporary Japanese work using Hollywood-style storytelling. This work can be called a hybrid work in many ways. It required high production values in terms of acting, sets, cinematography, and storyline. It was a great collaboration between Japanese and international talent to bring this unique piece to life. ◆Yoshitaka Mori (Main Director) The core of the character Ryutaro, who Min and the director team worked together on, is “a strong resentment toward politics and society.” As we worked together to shape this idea, all of the words that Mr. Min came up with were very stimulating. “The Sorcerer Who Lives in the World of Intellect”, “The King of Scenes”, and “The Sacrifice of the World”. He humbled himself by saying, “I’m just starting out as an actor,” but I was moved every day by the acting that only Min could do, throwing 100% of his body into every scene. During the shoot, Mackenyu was approaching the work with an attitude that was exactly as he said, “How close do you get to the depth?” Eliminating unnecessary embellishments and calculations, he enters the scene with a high level of concentration and overwhelming sensitivity hidden within. Through these fluctuations, the young man named Ryu because of his father’s blood approaches the depths of magma-like anger and loneliness one step at a time. That’s a very bold and courageous approach. He’s a great actor. The scenes in which the two co-starred in this work were truly a serious competition. After the photoshoot was over, the two of them looked like real father and son again, as they communicated their excitement to each other in few words, saying, “It was definitely my son,” and “My father was there.” “A Man Called Owl” will air episodes 1 to 5 starting April 24th (Wednesday), episodes 6 and 7 starting May 1st (Wednesday), and ending episode 8 starting May 8th (Wednesday). Up to 10 episodes will be distributed on Disney Plus “Star”.
Explore the life and enduring legacy of Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American woman whose experiences during WWII in concentration camps ignited her transformation into a civil rights icon. In this podcast episode, hosts Koji Steven Sakai and Michelle Marizaki delve into the intimate thoughts and profound adversities captured in Yuri’s diary. From tales of community resilience within the camps to discussions on identity and patriotism, this episode honors Kochiyama’s empathetic activism and challenges us to reflect on the true meaning of citizenship. Join us in paying tribute to a beacon of the civil rights movement and the resilient spirit that defines the Japanese American experience.
ABOUT OUR PERFORMER
Sierra is a standup comic, writer, and actor. She recently shot her first hourlong standup special with Comedy Dynamics and can be seen playing Evangeline on Mindy Kaling’s The Sex Lives of College Girls on Max. In the past, she was part of the main cast of The G Word with Adam Conover on Netflix and voiced characters for Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. She has also written for shows like Exploding Kittens (Netflix), Close Enough (Max), Earth To Ned (Disney+), and Eureka! (Disney+).
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 the unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Japanese Americans, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey through the curated collection of the Japanese American National Museum, 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 Musem
Explore the life and enduring legacy of Yuri Kochiyama, a Japanese American woman whose experiences during WWII in concentration camps ignited her transformation into a civil rights icon. In this podcast episode, hosts Koji Steven Sakai and Michelle Marizaki delve into the intimate thoughts and profound adversities captured in Yuri’s diary. From tales of community resilience within the camps to discussions on identity and patriotism, this episode honors Kochiyama’s empathetic activism and challenges us to reflect on the true meaning of citizenship. Join us in paying tribute to a beacon of the civil rights movement and the resilient spirit that defines the Japanese American experience.
ABOUT OUR PERFORMER
Sierra is a standup comic, writer, and actor. She recently shot her first hourlong standup special with Comedy Dynamics and can be seen playing Evangeline on Mindy Kaling’s The Sex Lives of College Girls on Max. In the past, she was part of the main cast of The G Word with Adam Conover on Netflix and voiced characters for Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. She has also written for shows like Exploding Kittens (Netflix), Close Enough (Max), Earth To Ned (Disney+), and Eureka! (Disney+).
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 the unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Japanese Americans, illuminating their rich contributions to the mosaic of American life. From historical milestones to contemporary perspectives, join us for an insightful journey through the curated collection of the Japanese American National Museum, 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 Musem
Join comedian Nat Baimel and the Unofficial Offical hostts for a laughter-filled journey through the heartwarming and hilarious corridors of Hallmark cards, where humor often hugs the line of appropriateness and 9-11 themed greetings become a subject of disbelief. This episode takes us from the complexities of modern love sealed with a stamp to the curious origins of Valentine’s Day, all while pondering the profound in the everyday – from past life musings to the societal pressures of holiday traditions. Get ready to end the season with a blend of chuckles, philosophical banter, and a dash of awkward Valentine’s Day memories that might just have you rethinking the sentiment behind your next greeting card purchase.
Nat Baimel is a comedian, upbeat problem solver, awkward philosopher, and optimistic nihilist with a knack for always looking on the bright side. His dark, smart, well-crafted material often tackles the most serious of subjects in a silly manner that will make you laugh as much as it will make you think.
RESEARCH
We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used as inspiration
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.
Hey friends… I’m teaching a 4-day writer’s intensive at UCLA Extension this August. I’ll take you from your idea all the way up to starting your script. Best of all, you’ll hang out with me for 30+ hours!
In this insightful podcast episode, Rosie Tran, a seasoned comedian and podcaster, joins hosts Koji and Katie to delve into the transformative world of social media, from its humble Friendster beginnings to its current omnipresence. The episode traverses a range of topics, including the cultural implications of aging in the digital era, the butterfly effect of Friendster’s patents on the tech industry, and the intricacies of maintaining personal boundaries amidst the pressures of an online persona. Engaging discussions highlight the mental health aspects of digital breaks, the impact of political expression on a creative’s career, and the psychological effects of negative online interactions. The episode concludes with contemplations on social media’s role in society and a playful debate on which platform would be chosen as a sole companion on a desert island.
‘Some doors should never be opened’ Skeletons in the Closet is a 2024 horror film about a desperate mother who becomes possessed to save the life of her terminally ill daughter.
Directed by Asif Akbar from a screenplay written by Joshua A. Cohen, Terrence Howard, Mira Pak Howard and Koji Steven Sakai, based on a story by Al Bravo.
The Al Bravo Films-Beno Films production stars Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr, Udo Kier, Louis Mandylor, Valery M. Ortiz, Michelle Jubilee Gonzalez, Clifton Powell, Appy Pratt, Ariana Deppe, Michelle Wang, Sally Kirkland and Niko Foster.
Release: Skeletons in the Closet will be available on Shudder in February 2024.
Join us for a wild exploration into the outlandish theories about Michael Jackson in this podcast episode, where we consider the possibility that the King of Pop was an alien and discuss the controversial claim that he was chemically castrated by his father to maintain his high-pitched voice. With special guest comedian Michelle Malazaki adding humor to our speculation, we delve into Michael’s strained family relationships, his iconic music, and the conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
Ichiban Mom, Michelle MaliZaki is not only a stand-up comedian but also a musical artist. Her track, “Nap Time!” by nap8sta, is the official song for National Napping Day. In the comedic arena, Michelle’s achievements include being a runner-up at FunnyFest in Canada in 2023, showcasing her wit on an international stage. She has also opened for Russell Peters, and was featured on CNN in a program “Champions for Change,” raising her status to become a formidable force in the world of laughter.
RESEARCH
We do most of our research online… because why not? Here are the links we quoted from or used as inspiration
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.
In this captivating podcast episode, hosts Katie and Koji embark on a deep dive into the enigmatic journey of Donald Trump, tracing his path from a business tycoon and reality TV star on “The Apprentice” to the President of the United States. The episode explores the question, what if Donald Trump was never on the reality TV show the Apprentice?
Listen to the Podcast here (be sure to subscribe):
Koji Steven Sakai 