No hyper-popular Japanese person?

Kakulin · Jun 23, 2006, 04:23

The most popular and internationalized asian actors/actresses are not Japanese. People like: Bruce Lee, Zhang Ziyi, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Jet Li, Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeow, Gordon Liu, and Pat Morita (he was american) are the most popular/internationalized/renowned asian actors. None are from Japan. When you think about it the most popular Japanese person is Shigeru Miyamoto, a videogames designer for Nintendo. lol

nice gaijin · Jun 23, 2006, 06:02

As far as actors go, Ken Watanabe has had some presence in recent hollywood films, but in general, Asian actors and actresses (especially Japanese) get very little attention on this side of the Pacific. Part of this is because when asian movies come stateside, they are not in their original forms, but hammy remakes starring American actors and actresses. The American audience have a penchant for these Asian films without realizing it.

I think there is still a lot of discrimination and type-casting in hollywood, and it's a common belief that an Asian name cannot carry a big film. Because no one is really given a chance, Asian actors and actresses don't have an opportunity to break this stereotype and are relegated to secondary or tertiary roles. The cycle continues.

Da Monstar · Jun 23, 2006, 17:52

Toshiro Mifune... He is a popular guy, Though he was born and raised in china in the first few years, I would still categorize him as a japanese by looks and possibly some ancestry.

He is so popular that even guys in Denmark have heard about him. There was even made a comedy movie called "last song of mifune" with absolut no relation to samurais, japan or anything else of that matter. The only thing is that the big brother dresses up to tease his brother 2 times or so And say that there is a mighty samurai in the basement, His name is Mifune, and he is strong!

thats about 1 minut of the 90 minut long movie.
For those who knows some about danish moveis, this was of the Dogme genre.

Wan't that gal Utada getting some fame in the US aswell?

MeAndroo · Jun 28, 2006, 04:53

Utada Hikaru's CD wasn't nearly as well received as her albums in Japan were.

One thing you may have noticed about the OP's list is that, with the exception of Lucy Liu who is Chinese American, is that they are all known for martial arts or action movies.

If you're looking for people of Japanese descent, then people musicians like James Iha and Mike Shinoda are relatively big. Here's famous Japanese Americans. I'd say the most famous Japanese person in America is Ichiro Suzuki.

Cue · Jun 28, 2006, 05:24

As for Actors, yeah, I agree with nice gaijin san, I too believe Ken Watanabe is, and also Ken Takakura(appeared in those yakuza movies, "Black Rain" and "Mr Baseball") might be famous in the States, too. But I don't recall any actress...

Ichiro and Matsui must be well known by baseball fans, Hayao Miyazaki by anime fans, I suppose...

Q

ricecake · Jun 28, 2006, 05:31

Yoko Ono Lennon is one worldly known Japanese old gal.

Yoko has been highly visible in US media since 1960's.

She's no professional entertainer,she amateurly dueted with late hubby John Lennon in the recorded album " Double Fantasy " with them two passionately kissing on the cover.

Rich303 · Jul 4, 2006, 19:44

'Yellow Magic Orchestra' were big in their day.
Ruichi Sakamoto from this group is still working as a musician...

...actors - Takeshi Kaneshiro (but, I think he is half Taiwanese)

Jun 23, 2006, 04:23	#1
Kakulin Master of the Dragonsouls Join Date: May 17, 2006 Posts: 46	No hyper-popular Japanese person? The most popular and internationalized asian actors/actresses are not Japanese. People like: Bruce Lee, Zhang Ziyi, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Jet Li, Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeow, Gordon Liu, and Pat Morita (he was american) are the most popular/internationalized/renowned asian actors. None are from Japan. When you think about it the most popular Japanese person is Shigeru Miyamoto, a videogames designer for Nintendo. lol

Jun 23, 2006, 17:52	#3
Da Monstar Booyah! Join Date: Sep 25, 2005 Location: Denmark Age: 21 Posts: 269	Toshiro Mifune... He is a popular guy, Though he was born and raised in china in the first few years, I would still categorize him as a japanese by looks and possibly some ancestry. He is so popular that even guys in Denmark have heard about him. There was even made a comedy movie called "last song of mifune" with absolut no relation to samurais, japan or anything else of that matter. The only thing is that the big brother dresses up to tease his brother 2 times or so And say that there is a mighty samurai in the basement, His name is Mifune, and he is strong! thats about 1 minut of the 90 minut long movie. For those who knows some about danish moveis, this was of the Dogme genre. Wan't that gal Utada getting some fame in the US aswell? __________________ If you're not already embarassed by your own sad ******* existence, then I assure you, nothing I can ever do or say is going to make you blush. -Randal Graves (the Clerk)

Jun 28, 2006, 04:53	#4
MeAndroo Regular Member Join Date: Jul 29, 2004 Location: Asago-shi, Hyogo-ken Age: 27 Posts: 776	Utada Hikaru's CD wasn't nearly as well received as her albums in Japan were. One thing you may have noticed about the OP's list is that, with the exception of Lucy Liu who is Chinese American, is that they are all known for martial arts or action movies. If you're looking for people of Japanese descent, then people musicians like James Iha and Mike Shinoda are relatively big. Here's famous Japanese Americans. I'd say the most famous Japanese person in America is Ichiro Suzuki. __________________ Go Trojans! Fight On!

Jun 28, 2006, 05:24	#5
Cue 今北産業 Join Date: Jun 6, 2006 Location: in mole's nest Posts: 418	As for Actors, yeah, I agree with nice gaijin san, I too believe Ken Watanabe is, and also Ken Takakura(appeared in those yakuza movies, "Black Rain" and "Mr Baseball") might be famous in the States, too. But I don't recall any actress... Ichiro and Matsui must be well known by baseball fans, Hayao Miyazaki by anime fans, I suppose... Q __________________ I know nicotine kills But quitting smoking kills me now - ELLEGARDEN

Jun 28, 2006, 05:31	#6
ricecake Banned Join Date: Jun 13, 2006 Location: Dublin,California Posts: 975	Yoko Ono Lennon is one worldly known Japanese old gal. Yoko has been highly visible in US media since 1960's. She's no professional entertainer,she amateurly dueted with late hubby John Lennon in the recorded album " Double Fantasy " with them two passionately kissing on the cover. Last edited by ricecake; Jun 28, 2006 at 07:22.

Jun 23, 2006, 06:02	#2
nice gaijin Resident Realist Join Date: Aug 8, 2005 Posts: 3,688	As far as actors go, Ken Watanabe has had some presence in recent hollywood films, but in general, Asian actors and actresses (especially Japanese) get very little attention on this side of the Pacific. Part of this is because when asian movies come stateside, they are not in their original forms, but hammy remakes starring American actors and actresses. The American audience have a penchant for these Asian films without realizing it. I think there is still a lot of discrimination and type-casting in hollywood, and it's a common belief that an Asian name cannot carry a big film. Because no one is really given a chance, Asian actors and actresses don't have an opportunity to break this stereotype and are relegated to secondary or tertiary roles. The cycle continues.

Jul 4, 2006, 19:44	#7
Rich303 Techno Nudger Join Date: Mar 31, 2005 Location: From Kent,just outside London Age: 34 Posts: 400	'Yellow Magic Orchestra' were big in their day. Ruichi Sakamoto from this group is still working as a musician... ...actors - Takeshi Kaneshiro (but, I think he is half Taiwanese) __________________ Vinyl rules!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Why is it weird for a Japanese person to walk with a black person?	Shin Asura	Culture Shock	187	Nov 22, 2009 12:31
I just talked to a Japanese person...	512kb	All Things Japanese	27	Feb 26, 2007 16:55
Is it impossible for a Japanese person to teach Japanese in America?	Brooker	Working in Japan	21	Aug 31, 2005 23:19
Hey, does any Japanese person want to be my friend?	Lawrence	All Things Japanese	4	Jan 14, 2005 03:56
popular japanese songs	bgarde	Chit Chat	12	May 20, 2002 05:59