SAPPORO SPOTLIGHTS
Sapporo’s legacy is one of artistry and discovery. In this series of stories, we aim to showcase distinctive individuals who share our love of discovery and embrace the unexpected.
Karin Chien
Director of Development at New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), Producer and Distributor
www.karinchien.com | www.nyaff.org
Film producer and distributor Karin Chien has worked for 25 years to advance original storytelling and bold cinematic visions. Born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, Karin began working on indie films in New York City. After producing Sundance and Tribeca winning films from Beirut and Haiti, Karin has worked globally as a producer. Karin started the distribution company dGenerate Films, which is now the leading collection in North America of independent cinema from mainland China. Karin then helped launch MasterClass.com and led its expansion to international productions and global instructors. Karin also started the Center for Asian American Media Fellowship, to help mentor AAPI entertainment professionals, and the Nevada City Film Festival Producers Residency, to help support mid-career indie producers. Recently, Karin raised two innovation funds, continues to produce a slate of multi-format IP, and is working with public funding bodies, artistic institutions, nonprofits and foundations to create new financing and revenue models. Always indie at heart, Karin remains committed to embedding equity into systems that allow for new voices, new models and new art forms to emerge.
LITTLE TOKYO SERIES
Connecting worlds starts with people. In partnership with the Little Tokyo Community Council, we're spotlighting the Little Tokyo, Los Angeles locals whose work and passions bridge cultures, just as Sapporo has for 150 years. Learn more about their stories below.
Roy Kuroyanagi and Kristy Kuroyanagi
Japangeles
Japangeles is a streetwear brand blending Japanese culture and Los Angeles lifestyle. Founded in 2010 by Roy Kuroyanagi, Japangeles started out as a kiosk which was named "the Pod" in the middle of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. In 2017, a brick-and-mortar store in the same plaza opened its doors. Japangeles is a community-based brand rooted in the thriving Little Tokyo community, one of the few last standing Japan towns in the US. Japangeles does not have an online shop. Japangeles apparel is available for purchase at the Japangeles store or at online pop-ups that happen a few times a year. In addition to collaborating with community organizations, Japangeles has partnered with many brands including Lexus USA, Gudetama, Hello Kitty, Kirin Ichiban beer, and the LA Clippers.
KUNIHARU YOSHIDA
Japanese Calligrapher & Hip-hop Dancer
Artist-in-residence Kuniharu Yoshida, a transplant from Japan, always wanted to be a bridge between his home country and the US. Trained in both hip-hop dance and Japanese calligraphy, he’s also bridging generations by leading calligraphy workshops for local seniors. Prompting memories with old photographs of Little Tokyo, Yoshida helped a group of seniors, some of whom had not picked up a brush in years, express their histories and emotions. After overcoming their self-consciousness or need to create a perfect line, the participants — one of whom was blind and another diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease — began opening up and producing large-scale works on paper.
Traci Kato-Kiriyama
Writer, Actor, Activist
Traci kato-kiriyama (they+she), author of Navigating With(out) Instruments--based on unceded Tongva land in the south bay of Los Angeles-- is an award-winning multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary artist, recognized for their work as a writer/performer, theatre deviser, cultural producer, and community organizer. As a storyteller and Artivist, tkk is grounded in collaborative process, collective self-determination, and art+community as intrinsically tied and a critical means toward connection and healing. She is a performer & principal writer for PULLproject Ensemble, two-time NET recipient; NEFA 2021-22 finalist for their show TALES OF CLAMOR. tkk —presented for over 25 years in hundreds of venues throughout North America as a writer, actor, poet, speaker, guest lecturer, facilitator, Artist-in-Residence, and organizing / arts & culture consultant.
Daniel Yaguchi
Taiko Drummer
Taiko player member of Taiko Ichiza who practices at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo where he grew up going to temple. Daniel teaches Taiko to special needs youth and full works for as an Administrative Coordinator Little Tokyo Community Council. Daniel is humble, talented and dedicated to Taiko and his community.