Daily Archives: March 17, 2009

White on Rice

White on Rice makes its world premiere today at the 2009 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival. We had a chance to see an advance screening of the film. It’s hilarious.

White on Rice stars a buch of Asian Americans including Hiroshi Watanabe, Nae, Mio Takada, Lynn Chen, James Kyson Lee, Justin Kwong, Joy Osmanski, Cathy Shim, and Kayako Takatsuna. Here’s a synopsis of the film:

Director David Boyle (“Big Dreams Little Tokyo”) returns with his sophomore effort, “White on Rice,” the comedic story of Jimmy (Hiroshi Watanabe, “Letters from Iwo Jima”), a misguided 40-year-old divorcee
trying to navigate his way through a new life in America and out of his sister Aiko’s (Japanese Academy Award winner Yuuki Nae) basement. Disgraced by his disgruntled brother-in-law Tak (Mio Takada, “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”), the immature yet adorable Jimmy spends his nights in search of a new wife who shares his love of dinosaurs and geology. Things go horribly awry when Jimmy falls desperately in love with Tak’s niece, the beautiful Ramona (Lynn Chen, “Saving Face”), and vows to steal her away from his co-worker Tim (“Heroes”‘ James Kyson Lee). Meanwhile, Bob, Jimmy’s newphew and bunkbed mate, harbors a secret talent that holds the key to rekindling the passion in his parents marriage. Hilarious and heartwarming, “White on Rice” is a Japanese American comic treat for the whole family.

White on Rice Trailer

Fetish by Far East Movement

Previously, we gave you a sneak peek at the behind the scenes of Far East Movemenet’s “Fetish” music video. We also got the FM guys to give us the low down on the music video before the USC CASA Culture Show. Now you can see the “Fetish” music video too.

Fashion collabo in this music video with The Attic x Orisue x Far East Movement. These guys went through a lot of outfits. Nice kicks too. (Speaking of which we might just get a pair.) At the 3:01 mark of the video, you can see the Adam Bomb from The Hundreds. Also the music video is directed by Daniel Zhao of Iron Brothers Entertainment. It’s great to continue seeing collaboration in the Asian American community from fashion to music. We know there’s a lot of talent out there.

Remember to pick up far East Movement’s latest album “Animal” on The Far East Movement - Animal or Amazon.com . Also they will be in San Francisco for the International Secret Agents Concert this Friday.

Fetish by Far East Movement

Be the star in Jon M. Chu’s next film

From the guy that brought you The Biggest Online Dance Battle in YouTube History, Election Dance Off, and Step Up 2, Jon M. Chu is looking for a star in his next dance movie. You can audition for the role online. The more unique and amazing the better. Here’s how to do it:

UPLOAD a video of you:

1) Saying your name and where you’re from

2) Telling us in less than 20 seconds why are you a more unique dancers than anyone else out there.

3) Freestyle dancing for less than a minute showing your best stuff. We’ve seen LOTS of dancers so it better be different and awesome!!

The deadline is next Wednesday, March 25, 2009. Don’t wait. Your dancing and acting could be in every theater in america next year!

Be the star in Jon M. Chu’s next film

Lowridin’ by Far East Movement



The Lowridin’ music video by Far East Movement debuted at the USC CASA Culture Show. In Lowridin’, you’ve got FAR EAST MOVEMENT x ORISUE x ALPINE for maximum effect. This project showcases a recent fusion that has taken place between the lowrider/import culture, the ever-popular streetwear phenomenon and the indie music scene and how these 3 industry leading brands are finding new avenues to expand their reach in new markets. You can watch the abridged version below.

Don’t forget to pick up far East Movement’s latest album “Animal” on The Far East Movement - Animal or Amazon.com . Also they will be in San Francisco for the International Secret Agents Concert on Friday.


Lowridin by Far East Movement

The Hundreds Footware – Spring 2009

The Hundreds Footware for Spring 2009 has just arrived. Check out the new shoes here. FYi – Korean American Booby Kim is one of the founders of The Hundreds. He’s listed as one of America’s coolest entrepreneurs under 30. Check the article here.

The Hundreds Footware – Spring 2009

More about The Hundreds

The Hundreds is a 2-part project that houses both a clothing line and online-magazine. Co-founded by Ben and Bobby Hundreds in 2003, both ends of The Hundreds incorporate our trademark lifestyle, attitude, and personal perspective on street subculture. The Hundreds apparel is inspired by LOS ANGELES LIFESTYLE / CALIFORNIA CULTURE and Southern California’s skateboarding, surf, punk, and hip-hop cultures. The design is also reminiscent of 1980s surf-culture t-shirts, independent skateboard company apparel of the 1990s, and the advent of “streetwear” at the end of the millennium. The line is comprised of graphic t-shirts, denim, wovens, fleece, outerwear, headwear, and accessories. In late 2008, The Hundreds also launched a shoe program monikored The Hundreds Footware.

Asian Americans and Poverty in NYC

FOX Reporter Ti-Hua Chang explores Asian Americans and poverty in New York City. This report boggles our minds. When you think Asian Americans you tend to think model minority rather than poverty. A couple points that are quite shocking:

  • Every night at every supermarket in Chinatown, Asian Americans still pick through garbage looking for food.
  • though 12% of New York City’s population, Asians receive just about 1% of government and private foundation aid.
  • The poorest of the poor, are senior citizens who live alone

Recently, a New York City study found the poverty rate among Asian Americans are quite high. Here’s a quote from the study:

“Asian American poverty in New York City is a serious, growing issue although it is largely unknown to the general public. The New York metropolitan area has the highest Asian poverty rate among the 10 metro areas with the most Asian residents, according to 2006 census information. The number of poor Asian New Yorkers also is increasing, as Asians are the fastest-growing major race or ethnic group in the city.”

You can see the report from the Asian American Federation Census Information Center here. Great piece of reporting by Ti-Hua Chang.

Asian Americans and Poverty in NYC