Sushi Restaurant Vandalized with Racist Graffiti

And Other Things to Know From Angry Asian America



Police Arrest Man Accused Of Spray-Painting Hate Speech On Restaurant
In the Sacramento area, authorities arrested a man accused of spray-painting hate speech on the front of a restaurant. 43-year-old Lahn Hansen faces various charges including committing a hate crime. The incident happened early Thursday at Umai Bar and Grill in Elk Grove. Hansen was reportedly caught on surveillance footage and identified. Evidence linking him to the vandalism was located inside of his vehicle, where police also located narcotics, burglary tools and items related to a previously reported church burglary.

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Rock Thrown Through Window Of Foster City Vice Mayor's Home
In the Bay Area, police are investigating after a rock was thrown through a window of the home of Richa Awasthi, Vice Mayor of Foster City. The incident occurred on Tuesday night. In a letter distributed by the city, Awasthi said the large rock broke the glass and blinds and nearly hit her husband in the head. Her two children were also in the home when it happened. Police are investigating the incident as felony vandalism though there are no suspects or motive identified. This is actually the second time an incident like this has occurred against a local elected official this year. In June, San Mateo Councilwoman Amourence Lee also had a rock thrown through her window. It's worth noting that Lee and Awasthi are Asian American councilwomen and the only sitting women of color on their respective councils. Doesn't sound like a coincidence to me.

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Bong Joon Ho and Lee Isaac Chung Talk 'Minari'
Variety hosted a conversation between Bong Joon Ho, Oscar-winning director of Parasite, and Lee Isaac Chung, writer/director of the critically-acclaimed Minari. The two filmmakers discussed creating on-screen families, telling personal stories and their work with actor Steven Yeun.

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Ted Chiang's "The Truth of Fact, The Truth of Feeling" is Being Developed for TV
Acclaimed science fiction writer Ted Chiang's short story "The Truth of Fact, The Truth of Feeling" is being developed as an hour-long TV drama. Set against the backdrop of technology that grants users exact recall of their past, the series combines a kidnapping with a messy adult love story in a cautionary tale about privacy in the modern world. The short story was originally published in 2013 by Subterranean Press, was a Hugo Award finalist and later became part of Chiang's collection Exhalation.

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Tamlyn Tomita Returns as Kumiko in a Clip from Cobra Kai
As the latest trailer for season three of Cobra Kai revealed, Tamlyn Tomita and Yuji Okumoto will reprise their roles as Kumiko and Chozen, repsectively, from The Karate Kid Part II. In this advance clip, we get a glimpse of Kumiko and Daniel's reunion. Cobra Kai season three premieres January 8 on Netflix.

All the Asians on TV: Fall 2017 Series Premieres

Here are the new scripted shows featuring actors of Asian descent. We counted.



These are new shows. The new fall television season is well underway, and as usual, we've been keeping an eye on the new Asian faces on the tube. Because we like to keep track of such things. But with cable and streaming services, as well as new shows now premiering year-round, the old model of a new fall "season" as a programming benchmark is not quite what it used to be. Nevertheless, after scouring the slate of new shows, here's a general rundown of actors of Asian descent who are series regulars (not technically guest starring or recurring) on new scripted prime time network, cable and streaming shows premiering this fall.

We might have missed a few, but here you go. These are new shows.

20th Anniversary Screening: 'Picture Bride'

With Special Guest Tamlyn Tomita, September 25 at New People Cinema



Hey, San Francisco. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking Picture Bride, Kayo Hatta's film about Issei women, anti-miscegenation laws, and Asian immigrants in Hawaii. You can catch two screenings, both on Friday, September 25 in Japantown's New People Cinema. As a special bonus, screenwriter Mari Hatta and actress Tamlyn Tomita, who plays Kana, will be at the second screening to discuss the film.

Fund This: Seppuku, a Japanese American cinematic folk tale

Short film "looks through the lens of a psyche molded through generations by the legacy of internment."



Here's a cool-looking short film that could use some support... Seppuku is described as a "Japanese American cinematic folk tale" about the ritual death and rebirth of Mari Yoshimori, an Olympic track star.

Directed and co-written by Daryn Wakasa, and starring Akemi Look, Tamlyn Tomita and Yuji Okumoto, "looks through the lens of a psyche molded through generations by the legacy of internment." The project recently launched a crowdfunding campaign through Seed & Spark to raise production funds.

Here are some more details about the story:

Tamlyn Tomita. Arden Cho. Sword Fight. Badass.

Watch a sneak peek clip from MTV's 'Teen Wolf.'



Have you been watching MTV's Teen Wolf? In addition to a lot of young pretty people and dark, shadowy happenings, the hit supernatural drama features one of television's few Asian American families. The cast includes Arden Cho as Kira Yukimura, a foxy (literally) lady, and Tamlyn Tomita and Tom Choi as her parents.

In this sneak peek clip from next week's episode, Kira and her mom engage in a sword fight that nearly goes wrong. Don't ask me why mom and daughter are suddenly dueling in the middle of a high school classroom -- I'm not actually caught up with the current season, so I have no idea what's going on. But it's badass.

It's Arden Cho versus Tamlyn Tomita, swinging sharp blades at each other. That's all you need to know.

Check it out:

Sound and Fury Podcast Episode 20: Tamlyn Tomita

Hey, podcast listeners! I am pleased to share the latest edition of my podcast Sound and Fury. Episode 20 -- that's right, we made it twenty! -- features our pal, actress Tamlyn Tomita, who you may know from movies like The Karate Kid Part II, The Joy Luck Club and a long resume of other great film and TV credits. As a longtime fan of her and her work, you don't know how excited I was about this conversation.

As always, thank you to all the regular listeners of Sound and Fury. To catch up on previous episodes, check out the archive. To stay up-to-date with future episodes as soon as they drop, be sure to subscribe. You can also find Sound and Fury on services like iTunes and Stitcher, where you can rate and review the show.

But without further ado, here's my conversation with Tamlyn Tomita:

Bad Guys Are Awesome, Especially Asian Ones

Character poster gallery features the stars of 'Awesome Asian Bad Guys'



National Film Society's long-awaited action/comedy Awesome Asian Bad Guys finally gets its digital release tomorrow, June 23. The movie will be released by FilmBuff on all major video-on-demand platforms including the film's website, powered by VHX, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu and Xbox Video.

To get you sufficiently pumped for the release, here's a gallery of some dope character posters featuring the stars of Awesome Asian Bad Guys: Randall Park, Al Leong, Dante Basco, Tamlyn Tomita, Yuji Okumoto, George Cheung, Aaron Takahashi, Patrick Epino and Stephen Dypiangco.

Check it out:

How to Be Like Chozen from 'The Karate Kid Part II'

National Film Society gets a lesson in awesome from Yuji Okumoto.



Here's some required viewing for my fellow Karate Kid Part II fans... Just in time for the digital release of the action/comedy feature Awesome Asian Bad Guys, Stephen and Patrick of National Film Society recently invited actor Yuji Okumoto to instruct them with lessons on How To Be Like Chozen, the incredibly mean, pectorally-blessed villain from The Karate Kid Part II. (Specifically, that scene where he takes off his shirt.)

As you'll see, for Patrick and Stephen, it's easier said than done:

'Awesome Asian Bad Guys' to be Released on June 23

National Film Society's action/comedy webseries will be available on all major VOD platforms.



Mark your calendars, film fans. Awesome Asian Bad Guys are coming to get you! The webseries-turned-feature action/comedy Awesome Asian Bad Guys, from Stephen Dypiangco and Patrick Epino, aka National Film Society, will be released by FilmBuff on June 23 on all major video-on-demand platforms including the film's website, powered by VHX, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu and Xbox Video.

In Awesome Asian Bad Guys, a pair of down-on-their-luck filmmakers must assemble a ragtag group of Asian "bad guy" actors in a deadly mission to take down LA's most nefarious crime boss. The cast includes Randall Park (Fresh Off The Boat, The Interview), Al Leong (Die Hard, Lethal Weapon), Dante Basco (Hook), Tamlyn Tomita (The Karate Kid Part II, Joy Luck Club), George Cheung (Rambo: First Blood Part II) and Aaron Takahashi (The Wedding Ringer). Full disclosure: I served as executive producer on the project.

The film is an irreverent homage to the nameless, expendable Asian villains of '80s and '90s action flicks. "These legendary performers have spent their careers in the background, and this project finally gives them their due," says Patrick. "It places them front and center where they belong."

Here's Patrick and Stephen with the big announcement, explaining how they pulled it off:

LAAPFF presents Crane Kick Commentary: The Karate Kid Part II

Tuesday, April 28 at the Japanese American National Museum



Folks, this is going to be a fun one. If you're in Los Angeles, I invite you to join me for the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival's special presentation of The Karate Kid Part II: Crane-Kick Commentary Edition!

You know it, you love it. Re-visit director John Avildsen's 1986 follow-up to The Karate Kid, in which Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san travel to Okinawa for a journey of old scores, new flames and big bad bullies. This was, of course, the movie that introduced us to the lovely Tamlyn Tomita, gave us an impressive look at shirtless Yuji Okumoto, and still has us scratching our heads over that mysterious (but effective) drum technique.

I've assembled some friends to watch the movie and provide a live running commentary, Mystery Science Theater 3000-style, for this goofy classic that holds a special place in our hearts. Our Crane Kick Commentary Crew includes Tamlyn Tomita, Jenny Yang, Patrick Epino, Stephen Dypiangco and Emily Chang. The screening will be preceded by a karaoke singalong of Peter Cetera's "Glory of Love," led by Jane Lui.

Join us for a night of laughs and fond nostalgia as we re-discover the Secret of Miyagi Family Karate. It's happening Tuesday, April 28, 7:00pm at the Japanese American National Museum.

Here are some more details about the evening:

See you at the New York Premiere of Awesome Asian Bad Guys

July 25 & 26 at the Asian American International Film Festival



New York City! Make some plans, because the Awesome Asian Bad Guys are coming to get you.

Next week, National Film Society's action/comedy webseries makes its East Coast premiere as part of Asian CineVision's Asian American International Film Festival. It will screen on Friday, July 25, 6:00pm at City Cinema Village East and Saturday, July 26, 2:00pm at the Made in NY Media Center by IFP.

Want to win free tickets? Scroll down to the bottom for details.

Filmmaking duo Stephen Dypiangco and Patrick Epino direct and star as Stephen and Patrick, down-and-out filmmakers who must recruit an unlikely team of Asian American heroes -- a motley crew that includes Al Leong, Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita, George Cheung and Randall Park -- to take down a ruthless crime lord. The series is an homage to your favorite nameless Asian movie character actors of the 1980s and 90s.

Awesome Asian Bad Guys Opening Titles

Animated sequence pays homes to action/comedy webseries heroes' greatest cinematic moments



Awesome Asian Bad Guys, coming soon from National Film Society, is an action/comedy webseries about two down-and-out filmmakers who must recruit an unlikely team of heroes -- a motley crew that includes Al Leong, Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita, George Cheung and Randall Park -- to take down a ruthless crime lord.

Want to see something Awesome? If you went to the film festival screenings of Awesome Asian Bad Guys in San Francisco, Chicago or Los Angeles this spring, you were treated to a supercool 30-second animated opening title sequence, created by the talented Michael Velasquez, depicting some of our heroes' greatest cinematic moments. Can you recognize them? Check it out:

Awesome Asian Bad Guys kick ass at LAAPFF

Encore festival screening on Friday, May 8 at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum in Little Tokyo



I am still reeling from Saturday night's amazing Los Angeles premiere of National Film Society's Awesome Asian Bad Guys at the 30th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. It was, yes, awesome.

Directors Stephen Dypiangco and Patrick Epino were joined by stars of the action/comedy webseries -- including Tamlyn Tomita, Yuji Okumoto, George Cheung, Randall Park, Aaron Takahashi and Dante Basco -- as well as a fantastic, energetic crowd. As executive producer, on behalf of the whole team, thank you to everyone who came out and supported the project. It was soooo much fun.

Here are some photos from the evening, courtesy of Joseph Dypiangco:

You're invited to the LA premiere of Awesome Asian Bad Guys

Star-studded screening on Saturday, May 3 at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival



All right. This is for all my people in Southern California. The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is proud to present the Hollywood premiere of Awesome Asian Bad Guys, the new action/comedy web series from National Film Society. I have the pleasure of being an executive producer on this project, and I'm excited to share the fun with friends, film fans and the festival community.

Filmmaking duo Stephen Dypiangco and Patrick Epino direct and star as Stephen and Patrick, down-and-out filmmakers who must recruit an unlikely team of Asian American heroes -- a motley crew that includes Al Leong, Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita, George Cheung and Randall Park -- to take down a ruthless crime lord. The series is an homage to your favorite nameless Asian movie character actors of the 1980s and 90s.

Here's the teaser trailer again:

Watch Jane Lui's Crazy Fun Cover of TLC's "Waterfalls"

Featuring Tamlyn Tomita, Lynn Chen and a band of merry misfit music makers



So this awesome thing totally happened... In this super-fun video, singer/songwriter Jane Lui is joined by friends Tamlyn Tomita and Lynn Chen, and leads a band of merry misfit music makers in an ultra-homemade one-take cover of TLC's "Waterfalls," complete with typewriters, a toy piano, a water jugand cardboard cutouts. (Yes, I make an appearance somewhere in there too.) Take a look:

Watch the teaser trailer for Awesome Asian Bad Guys!

Action comedy web series unites badass villains from Rambo II, Die Hard, The Karate Kid Part II and more.



Awesome! Friends, it's my pleasure to present the teaser trailer premiere for Awesome Asian Bad Guys, the upcoming action comedy web series from Stephen Dypiangco and Patrick Epino, aka National Film Society.

The series is a celebration of some of our favorite cult movie personalities of yesteryear who were always relegated to bad guy background status, from The Karate Kid Part II to Lethal Weapon and Rambo II. Awesome Asian Bad Guys puts them in the spotlight and in the center of the action -- where they belong.

Starring Al Leong, Yuji Okumoto, Tamlyn Tomita, Aaron Takahashi, Dante Basco and more, the story follows a motley crew of washed up Asian bad guy actors who join forces to take down Los Angeles' most nefarious mob boss. Here's your very first look at the series, coming in 2014:

The Awesome Asian Cast of Awesome Asian Bad Guys

Behold, the awesome cast of National Film Society's upcoming webseries Awesome Asian Bad Guys. That's Yuji Okumoto, Patrick Epino, Stephen Dypiangco, Aaron Takahashi, Randall Park, Dante Basco, George Chung, Jasmin Currey, Tamlyn Tomita and the indestructible Al Leong.

Production on the action comedy webseries begins this week, and I just wanted to remind everybody that the team is putting the call out for extras. We need your help! If you're in Los Angeles, and free on Saturday, June 22 and Monday, June 24, you're invited to join in the fun as an extra in a big scene we're shooting downtown.

If you're interested in hanging out as an extra and watching the Awesome Asian Bad Guys in action, email awesomeasianbadguys@gmail.com. Hope you can join and be Awesome with us.

A Joy Luck Club reunion

Whoa. A Joy Luck Club reunion! Came across this cool photo last week on producer Janet Yang's blog. Janet recently met up with Lauren Tom, Tamlyn Tomita, Ming Na and Rosalind Chao -- the "daughters" from The Joy Luck Club.

Can you believe next year marks the movie's twentieth anniversary? I know it has its share of detractors, for various reasons, but you can't deny that The Joy Luck Club was a significant moment in Asian American cinema.

And these ladies still look good.

Fund This: Awesome Asian Bad Guys

All right, my friends. I'm the Executive Producer of a little something called Awesome Asian Bad Guys. I know I throw a lot of fundraising pitches your way, but this time I am personally calling on you for support.

My buddies Patrick and Stephen of National Film Society are making Awesome Asian Bad Guys, an action/comedy webseries about "two offbeat filmmakers, a volatile group of Asian bad guys and one impossible mission."

In order to accomplish this impossible mission, they need to raise some cash. Cue funny and totally rad pitch video, featuring the worst bake sale ever:

glee deleted scene: a chang family moment

Glee producer Ryan Murphy recent shared this deleted scene from the end of season four, featuring Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Ushkowitz sharing a moment with Keong Sim and Tamlyn Tomita, who play Mike Chang's parents. It's a good scene, and a nice way to close out the "Asian F" storyline -- too bad it ended up on the cutting room floor. Take a look: