Kaela Kimura on Hot Pepper Commercial

Posted at 9/28/2009 11:32:00 PM



Japanese rock and pop singer, songwriter, model, and presenter, Kaela Kimura is recently starred in a commercial for Hot Pepper with a Peanuts collaboration. The song, "Hot Pepper no Uta" is infectious and highly catchy, becoming one of the popular downloaded songs in Japan. Courtesy of Howie Link

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San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival

Posted at 9/22/2009 09:45:00 PM


Kaiser Permanente San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival will host its fourteenth annual event this coming September 26th & 27th at Treasure Island. The SF International Dragon Boat Festival is the largest competitive dragon boat festival in the United States. This year will have over 110 dragon boat teams and 3,5000 dragon boat paddlers. In addition to the dragon boat racing, the festival features many cultural activities such as live dance and music, food, and arts & crafts. Link 

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Giju John and Latin-Indian Fusion

Posted at 9/22/2009 08:05:00 AM

Giju John, a Silicon Valley engineer and salsa dancer and Indian music performer by night. Beginning an innovative trend of fusion, mixing two distinct cultures - Indian pop music with Latin cha-cha-cha. Interestingly, India has a number of salsa studios, influenced by the popularity of the ending song from Slumdog Millionaire by Jai Ho. Link , Link

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Skin Whitener Controversy

Posted at 9/14/2009 08:09:00 PM

Cosmetic advertisements shown in India which originally targeted to women are now targeting men with campaigns aimed at skin color. "These commercials are sending a not-so-subtle message to men in Asia: Get whiter skin, and you'll get the girl and the job of your dreams" With well known brands such as Nivea and Garnier, skin whiteners are becoming all the rage for men. Sales for skin whitening products have increased more than 100 percent in rural India. 

In countries where the majority of people have brown skin, some are calling these advertisements racist and objectionable. Product makers say they are simply providing the public what it wants. When it comes down to it all, the power is in the hands of the consumer. It is their sole choice whether to believe the commercials they see are true. Link

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The Half Asian Conversations

Posted at 9/07/2009 12:01:00 PM
The Half Asian Conversations by David Yim briefly explores the lives of 5 young half-Asian Americans and what it means to be growing up mixed in America.

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Shoes off Please

Posted at 9/01/2009 11:04:00 PM
This has been the question for ages. The act of taking off shoes before entering the house is a commonplace for Asians and considered best practiced by most, however what are the reasons?

Possibly the biggest reason is just to keep the house clean. Nearly 87% of the dirt in the house comes from outside on shoes. In addition, shoes are conveniently kept by the doorway rather than having to venture around the house to look for lost shoes.

In many Asian cultures, it is customary to take off one's shoes upon entering a house. This is especially evident in Japan where there is a pair of slippers to wear specifically for using indoors. There is also bathroom slippers to avoid puddles. In Chinese culture, on New Years day, it is a sign of whether or not a family will be successful to have a clean house.  

In addition, considering most of Asia is located in very humid and temperate weather year round, Asian household's had to deal with the wet and humid conditions. Taking off shoes helps to reduce house damage and foot odor. It is also good to remember that "households for the longest time have had hardwood floors. Carpet has only grown in popularity over the last 30 years." Link


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