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Welcome to Japanifornia's J-Wiki where we track Japanese American (Nikkei) character actor's appearances in the early days of Asian Representation—some good, some cringe, but all interesting. See our listings for shows like M*A*S*H or Hawaii Five-O from the 1960s and 1970s.
As of 21 November 2024 this wiki contains a total of 745 articles.
Check Out: Marvel_Stories_Set_in_Japan
 Explore the fascinating world of people (and characters) who are half Japanese. Click to dive into stories, profiles, and more. |
 Discover the lives of those with Japanese ancestry born or living long-term outside Japan. A treasure trove of heritage and culture awaits. |
 Meet the non-Japanese adventurers living in Japan. Click to uncover their stories, experiences, and unique perspectives. |
 Japanese born in Japan who have made their mark in the West. Click to see achievements and stories from around the globe. |
 Explore fictional locations in the Japanifornia Universe. Click to discover iconic settings from games, movies, and more. |
 Learn about notable Japanese Americans interned during WWII. Click for stories of resilience, history, and legacy. |
 The Age of Independence: TV on a strict schedule, vinyl music, and kids roaming free. Click to relive the 1970s glory. |
 The Cable Age: Endless channels and mix tapes. Click to explore the 1980s with its iconic pop culture and tech. |
 The Console Age: Digital rise, flannel fashion, and CDs. Click to dive into the 1990s with its alternative vibes. |
Suggested Starting Points:
We tend to follow rabbit holes for Japanese and Japanese American character actors from the 70s and 80s.
Japanifornia Icons
- Miyoshi Umeki the first Eastr-Asian actor to win an Academy Award for her role in Sayonara in 1957.
- Larry Shinoda, a Japanese American car designer who designed the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Mustang.
- Yuri Kochiyama an American Civil Rights activist who worked with Malcom X in Harlem.
- Hiroshi Fujiwara, the Godfather of Streetwear from Japan, who collaborated with Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker at Nike to produce the HTM sub-brand.
- Steve Yano, who with Dr. Dre and Tony A. Da Wizard, produced and sold the Roadium Mixed Tapes at Roadium Swap Meet in Gardena, California in the early 1980s.
- Wataru Misaka broke the color barrier in professional basketball when he played three games for the New York Knicks in 1947.
- Sessue Hayakawa was a Japanese actor and matinee idol during the silent film era of the 1910s and early 1920s.
- Sono Osato was a half Japanese dancer in the 30s, and later an activist and philanthropist.
- Isamu Noguchi was a half Japanese sculptor and artists.
- Rocky Aoki founder of Benihana, and incorrigible 60s and 70s philanderer.
ChatGPT Nikkei Top Ten
- Yuri Kochiyama, 1921-2014, human rights activist
- Michio Kaku, born in 1947, theoretical physicist and science communicator
- Ellison Onizuka, 1946-1986, astronaut who died in the Challenger space shuttle disaster
- Kristi Yamaguchi, born in 1971, Olympic gold medalist figure skater
- Sab Shimono, born in 1943, actor and director
- Fred Korematsu, 1919-2005, civil rights activist
- Sessue Hayakawa, 1889-1973, actor and producer
- Patsy Mink, 1927-2002, first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress
- Richard Aoki, 1938-2009, civil rights activist and member of the Black Panther Party
- Steven Okazaki - documentary filmmaker who has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 1991.