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8 September 2024

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.
Now Playing
	Coming Soon: Ultraman: Rising (TV Show), co-directed by John Aoshima, starring Christopher Sean and featuring voice acting from Tamlyn Tomita, Rob Fukuzaki, Gedde Watanabe, and Keone Young. Also Artt Butler, Karen Maruyama, Mayumi Yoshida
Silver Samurai Cameos in the New X-Men '97
In the animated series X-Men '97, Silver Samurai makes a couple of brief yet memorable cameo appearances, both tied to the catastrophic electromagnetic pulse (EMP) events orchestrated by Magneto. The first time we see him, he’s reacting to the initial EMP that plunges the world into darkness. Later, he reappears, witnessing the restoration of power following Professor Xavier's intense psychic battle with Magneto. These scenes effectively underscore the far-reaching impact of Magneto's actions, reminding viewers that the consequences extend far beyond the main cast. For those familiar with the franchise, Silver Samurai's presence in X-Men '97 serves as a nostalgic callback. He originally graced our screens in X-Men: The Animated Series, specifically in season 4, episode 15, titled "Lotus and Steel." In this episode, set in Japan, he faces off against Wolverine. Clad in his iconic armor, Silver Samurai showcases his teleportation abilities and formidable skills in martial arts and swordsmanship. Despite his impressive prowess, Wolverine ultimately defeats him, cementing their rivalry. In the comics, Silver Samurai is well-known as a sworn enemy of Wolverine and the X-Men. His inclusion in X-Men '97 not only adds depth to the story but also ensures continuity with the original series. It’s a clever nod to long-time fans, seamlessly blending the new with the familiar, and highlighting how Magneto’s actions ripple across the globe, affecting even the most peripheral characters.

Hāfu Explore the fascinating world of people (and characters) who are half Japanese. Click to dive into stories, profiles, and more.	Nikkei Discover the lives of those with Japanese ancestry born or living long-term outside Japan. A treasure trove of heritage and culture awaits.	Gaijin in Japan Meet the non-Japanese adventurers living in Japan. Click to uncover their stories, experiences, and unique perspectives.
Nihonjin in the West Japanese born in Japan who have made their mark in the West. Click to see achievements and stories from around the globe.	Japanifornia Locations Explore fictional locations in the Japanifornia Universe. Click to discover iconic settings from games, movies, and more.	Nikkei who were Interned Learn about notable Japanese Americans interned during WWII. Click for stories of resilience, history, and legacy.
The 1970s The Age of Independence: TV on a strict schedule, vinyl music, and kids roaming free. Click to relive the 1970s glory.	The 1980s The Cable Age: Endless channels and mix tapes. Click to explore the 1980s with its iconic pop culture and tech.	The 1990s The Console Age: Digital rise, flannel fashion, and CDs. Click to dive into the 1990s with its alternative vibes.

Suggested Starting Points:

• Japanese Comic Book Characters
• Japanese in American Pop Culture

We tend to follow rabbit holes for Japanese and Japanese American character actors from the 70s and 80s.

Japanifornia Icons

Name	Birth Year	Bio
Miyoshi Umeki	1929	Miyoshi Umeki was the first East-Asian actor to win an Academy Award for her role in "Sayonara" in 1957.
Larry Shinoda	1930	Larry Shinoda was a Japanese American car designer who designed the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Mustang.
Yuri Kochiyama	1921	Yuri Kochiyama was an American Civil Rights activist who worked with Malcolm X in Harlem.
Hiroshi Fujiwara	1964	Hiroshi Fujiwara, the Godfather of Streetwear from Japan, collaborated with Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker at Nike to produce the HTM sub-brand.
Steve Yano	1950	Steve Yano, 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	1923	Wataru Misaka broke the color barrier in professional basketball when he played three games for the New York Knicks in 1947.
Sessue Hayakawa	1886	Sessue Hayakawa was a Japanese actor and matinee idol during the silent film era of the 1910s and early 1920s.
Sono Osato	1919	Sono Osato was a half Japanese dancer in the 1930s, and later an activist and philanthropist.
Isamu Noguchi	1904	Isamu Noguchi was a half Japanese sculptor and artist.
Rocky Aoki	1938	Rocky Aoki was the founder of Benihana, and an incorrigible 60s and 70s philanderer.
Michio Kaku	1947	Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist and science communicator known for his work in string theory.
Ellison Onizuka	1946	Ellison Onizuka was an astronaut who died in the Challenger space shuttle disaster.
Kristi Yamaguchi	1971	Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist figure skater.
Sab Shimono	1943	Sab Shimono is an actor and director known for his work in film and theater.
Fred Korematsu	1919	Fred Korematsu was a civil rights activist who resisted Japanese American internment during World War II.
Patsy Mink	1927	Patsy Mink was the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress.
Richard Aoki	1938	Richard Aoki was a civil rights activist and member of the Black Panther Party.
Steven Okazaki	1952	Steven Okazaki is a documentary filmmaker who won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 1991.

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