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Shin Koyamada

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Shin Koyamada
小山田 真
File:ShinKoyamada.jpg
Shin Koyamada in Los Angeles
Occupation(s)Actor, producer, philanthropist, martial arts instructor
Years active2002–present
WebsiteShinKoyamada.com

Shin Koyamada (小山田 真, Koyamada Shin, born March 10, 1982) is a film actor, producer and philanthropist. Shin has been in Los Angeles, United States since the year 2000. He speaks fluent Japanese and English.

He became best known to audience after his co-starring role “Nobutada” in the Warner Bros. action epic The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Edward Zwick. Shin starred in the action/adventure Disney Channel Original Movie series Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, which was one of the top rated Disney Channel Original Movies with over 5.7 million viewers on the night of its premiere in the US. It also received the highest rating in the history of Disney Channel Japan and broke records in the United Kingdom and Europe making Disney Channel the highest rated kids channel in Europe.

Shin also starred in the film Good Soil. He is noted for his skill in various martial arts styles.[1]

Early life and background

Shin was born and raised in Okayama, Japan. His father works for the Government of Japan, and his mother is a nurse and occasionally travels to South Asia countries such as Myanmar to help underprivileged individual and family.

Shin's love of American and Hong Kong action movies began as a small boy at his father's side.[2] Despite the disapproval of family and friends, he was determined to see this dream realized. At an early age, he directed all of his energy to physical training in gymnastics as a team captain, track, triathlon. His decision to pursue his dream in Hollywood was already made by 15.[3]

In 1989, Shin began training in long distance road cycling inspired by his uncle. At age of 12, he began competing in various long distance road cycling race along with adult competitors in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.[4] During the visit in New Plymouth, New Zealand in 2003, Shin has competed in the Taranaki Road Cycling pairing up on the Tandem with a New Zealand Cycling Champion supported by a Mayor of New Plymouth. In 1993, he official joined the Track and field team of the Elementary school he was attending and accepted by the Okayama City Junior Track and Field club in the same year.[5] Shin started competing in the various tournaments held in the Okayama Prefecture as the representatives of the elementary school and Okayama City team. Shin specialized in the 100m and 200m sprint. In 1998, Shin began training in high school gymnastic and had served as a captain of the team for two years from 1998-2000.[6] Also the gymnastic team led by Shin placed 3rd in the Prefectural Gymnastic Tournament. Shin specialized in the floor exercise, parallel bars, and rings. In the same year, Shin started training in Karate, Kendo and Judo.

Education

Shin graduated from one of the prestigious Japanese High schools called Ichinomiya High School located in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture.[7] In 2000, Shin enrolled in the University of California, Riverside Extension where he has completed the intensive English program.[8] In 2001, Shin was accepted to Los Angeles City College as a full-time international student where he began taking acting lessons in the Theater academy.[8]

Acting career

Main article: Shin Koyamada filmography

2000-2002: Moving to the United States and early work

In September 2000, Shin came to Hollywood alone, not knowing anyone, having no place to stay, and not knowing how to speak English.[9] Building an acting career with little money, no agent, manager or other Hollywood connections is an extremely difficult accomplishment.[10] To gain experience and a portfolio, Shin worked long hours for very little or no pay in everything he could find.

By 2001 at the Knightsbridge Theatre, he choreographed and performed martial arts forms and stage combat for a unique production of Shakespeare's Coriolanus.[11] Shin appeared in the commercials, including Disneyland California, JC Penny and Apple Computer International.[12] Shin made a brief guest appearance on Power Rangers Wild Force in 2002.[13] His first movie work was a short comedy film called A Ninja Pays Half My Rent directed by Steven Tsuchida. The film was first released in 2003.[14]

2003-2005: Breakthrough performance in The Last Samurai

In 2003, submitting himself for various projects via an Internet casting site, he landed his debut feature film role in The Last Samurai director by Edward Zwick. Co-starring opposite Tom Cruise in the Warner Bros. epic as Nobutada, friend to Cruise's character, Algren, a son of Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), a fierce archer, double swordsman, and a young Samurai.[15] While filming The Last Samurai in Japan, United States, and New Zealand for almost 8 months, he added Kyūdō (Japanese Archery) and Yabusame to his repertoire.[16] Shin also honed his acting skills with the help of director/producer Edward Zwick and actor/producer Tom Cruise, making the most of a powerful debut. The movie was well received upon release, with a worldwide box office of $456 million. In addition it was nominated for several awards, including Academy Awards, Golden Globes and the National Board of Review.[17]

The movie received an enthusiastic reception among the moviegoing public in Japan, with box office receipts higher in that country than in the USA. The box office of the movie upon release in Japan was $119,268,595 and $111,127,263 in the US.[18]

In 2004, Shin guest-starred as the assassin, Shinji Makito in the Jake 2.0, an American science fiction television series originally broadcast on UPN in 2003. Jake Foley, who works for the U.S. government's National Security Agency (NSA) and was accidentally infected by nanobots which give him superhuman powers. Jake and Shinji Makito, become friends, and they work together to try to stop the 2nd assassin, Yuki Makito, Shinji's sister. In the United Kingdom, all the episodes were played out on Sky One. The series is currently being aired on HDnet on Thursdays at 10:00pm EST and has aired internationally. It also began airing on The Sci Fi Channel on January 5, 2007.

2006-2009: Disney Channel and feature films

File:DisneyShinKoyamada.jpg
Shin at the 2007 Disney Channel Games in the Walt Disney World.

In 2006, Shin first starred in the action/adventure/drama Disney Channel Original Movie Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior with Brenda Song as Shen, an Undercover Buddhist Monk, who has an important mission with Wendy in the United States.[19] Koyamada plays a Chinese monk who visits the title character, an American teenager played by Song, claiming Wu is the reincarnation of a powerful female warrior and the only person who can prevent an ancient evil spirit from destroying the world. Shin spoke not only in English from the beginning to the end of the movie, but also a bit of Mandarin.[20] The entire movie was shot in Auckland, New Zealand.[21]

This film had over 5.7 million viewers on the night of its premiere[22] making Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior the fifth highest viewed DCOM and also received the highest rating in the history of Disney Channel Japan.[23] The film also broke records in the United Kingdom and Europe making Disney Channel the highest rated kids channel in Europe.[24]

In 2006, Shin starred in and executive produced in the Japanese full feature documentary show Wine Road of the Samurai (2006), filmed in Egypt, France and Japan and nationally distributed by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and other 28 affiliated TV stations in Japan.[25][26]

In 2006, Shin participated 2006 Disney Channel Games with Zac Efron, Dylan Sprouse, Anneliese van der Pol on the Red Team. On the Obstacle Course, Shin stormed through the course, only to have jumped on the slide in the end. The race was re-done. Shin once again breezed through the course, and won[27]

In 2007, Shin appeared in the 20th Century Fox feature film Constellation, starring by Billy Dee Williams, Hill Harper, Zoe Saldana, Gabrielle Union, Lesley Ann Warren and Ever Carradine and director by Jordan Walker-Pearlman. Te film was released by Codeblack Entertainment and 20th Century Fox in 2007. Prior to theatrical release the film won several Audience and Jury Awards at Festivals. It had its French Premiere in Cannes, and in Britain premiered as a special screening at The American Embassy in London. It currently screens across the country at "Better Together" conferences promoting inter-racial dialogue.

In 2007, Shin appeared on the 2007 Disney Channel Games and has represented Japan. The Second Annual Disney Channel Games are over as of 25 August 2007. As advertised, these have proven to be the biggest of them all. Hosted at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, stars from other nations' Disney Channels have joined the teams, making room for the new Yellow Team. In addition, each team is playing for a charity (including Boys & Girls Club, UNICEF, Make-a-Wish Foundation and Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. Disney also revealed the games becoming environmentally friendly. and 2008. The 2007 Games were produced by Disney Channel

In 2008, Shin appeared on the 2008 Disney Channel Games on the Lighting/Blue Team. Shin received The Disney Channel Sportsmanship Award at Disney Channel Games 2008. The event was filmed at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and benefits four children's charities: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, UNICEF and Boys & Girls Club of America.

Each of the five subsequent "Disney Channel Games" 2008 special telecasts were presented Saturdays (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) through August 30. The 27 Disney Channels worldwide aired the five special telecasts thereafter with local Disney Channel stars hosting their country's telecast.

In 2008, Shin starred and produced in the film Good Soil, written and director by Craig Shimahara. Koyamada's character Jinbei Masuda, a young Samurai, draws his strength from his faith, family, and fencing. However, he is caught up in the shogun’s policy of religious persecution and must choose between his loved ones and his God. Ships from Europe brought the forbidden religion to the shores of Japan in 1549. For decades the seeds of faith grew under the watchful gaze of the Shogun. But the fear of foreign influence eventually gave rise to persecution.

2010 to present

In 2010, Shin starred for a stage production called Ai No Shiuku at the opening ceremony of The 25th National Cultural Festival Okayama 2010 as Seinen Makibi , hosted by Agency for Cultural Affairs of the Government of Japan and Okayama Prefecture Government in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, nationally televised by NHK and locally covered by the four other TV stations. The National Cultural Festival is the Japan's largest cultural festival attended by the Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan and hosted by a Prefecture Government of Japan every year.

Shin is set to produce and star in the action and comedy feature film Ticker, produced by Paul Heller (Enter The Dragon) and Nia Lyte, and written by Stephen Langford (Love Wrecked). Shin will play Sam Goldman.[28]

The American style comic book named The Dreamhoppers was created and produced by Shin Koyamada, Travis Moore and Nia Lyte and published by an American comic book publishing company called Laizen Comics in 2010. Shin is featured as the main character named Ren Matsuo in The Dreamhoppers.[29]

Shin is represented by Affirmative Entertainment.

Martial arts career

1998-1999: A Beginning of the Japanese martial arts

By 16, he began to study Keishinkan Karate in Okayama, Japan, in which he was awarded a black belt under Tadashi Yoshii Sensei who has directly studied under Gichin Funakoshi Sensei.[30] 18 months is considered a very fast to reach shodan in most martial arts, though it does vary based on circumstance. Interpretations also vary, but a black belt generally signifies a thorough understanding of the basics, and often enables the wearer to instruct in some capacity. Shin has also studied in Aikido, Judo, and Kendo in Japan.[31]

Shin competed in the International Karate Championships held in Nagano Prefecture, Japan from 1998 to 2000. Unlike the Karate tournament system in the United States, the division was divided in age group. Although Shin was the only White Belt competitor in the high school division and had to compete against all Black Belt competitors, he defeated the Black Belt/Former Champion who came from the United States in the first year of the tournament in August 1998.[32]

Shin earned san-dan (third degree) black belt in traditional Keishinkan Karate.[33]

2000-2010: Developments of Asian martial arts

Main article: Martial arts achievements by Shin Koyamada

After relocating to the United States in 2000, Shin began training in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu 6 days a week.[34] Shin specialized in a double broadsword among other 18 Chinese classical weapons in Shaolin Kung Fu. Shin participated in the Chinese New Year Parade every year in Chinatown and Hollywood in Los Angeles.[35] In 2005, Shin began in Tae Kwon Do in Los Angeles, in which he earned a black belt.[36] In 2007, Shin began Kung Jung Mu Sul (Korean Royal Court Martial Arts), which is a minor traditional Korean martial arts style in Los Angeles and he earned first degree Black Belt.[37] Other styles Shin has studied include Aikido and Iaido in Los Angeles.

Shin was awarded at World Martial Arts Masters Expo 05, which was co-hosted by a President/COO of Warner Bros., Alan Horn and a President of CBS Studios, Michael Klausman on January 14, 2005.[38] He was featured in a cover of Black Belt Magazine in 2004.[39]

In 2000, Shin competed in six U.S National Martial arts Tournaments in Shaolin Kung Fu over five months and won first place in all but one, and that was a second.[40][41]

In 2009, Shin was invited to an annual Martial Arts Tour of Italy organized by Federico Coccorese, who is based in Rome, Italy as the main host and performer of the event.[42] The event was nationally broadcast by Italian national television station.[43] Shin was awarded by the Mayor of Nettuno, Italy for his contribution to the community in Italy. Shin is scheduled to go back to the Martial Arts Tour 2010 with Takayuki Kubota Sensei, Fumio Demura Sensei and Tadashi Yamashita Sensei in Rome, Italy.

Philanthropic work

File:Shin-koyamada-japan-bowl.jpg
Shin at 2010 National Japan Bowl in Washington DC

Shin first became personally aware of worldwide crises when his mother visited Myanmar and explained him the situation and troubles that people have in the country. In the following year, Shin visited and learned about problems and the conditions people are in some areas while filming Wine Road of the Samurai in Africa. Shin began many volunteer works helping nonprofit organizations and the programs including Boys and Girls Club of America, KICKSTART, Starlight Starbright, Japan-America Society and The Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA).[44][45] Shin was honored and awarded a Gold Medal for actively supporting a Mexican community by the Mexican Government in 2005. NFL players and Shin became involved in the Muwanba Family Foundation, which focuses helping the lives of the children throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa.[46][47]

In 2010, Shin was named Okayama International Goodwill Ambassador of the Government of Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

The Shin Koyamada Foundation

Founded in 2008, The Shin Koyamada Foundation offers scholarships to give youth to learn the importance of respect, honor, courtesy, value and manner through martial arts and active help on global environmental issues, donations and education to underprivileged individual and family and international cultural exchange projects.[48] The mission of the Shin Koyamada Foundation is to empower youth to achieve their goals and dreams and Save the Earth.[49] The main programs of the foundation are Martial Arts Scholarship Program, International Exchange Program, Global Donation Program, Global Education Program and Global Nature Program.[50]

The highly anticipated and inaugural United States Martial Arts Festival 2010 is hosted at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center located in the City of Redondo Beach on July 18, 2010 by the United States Martial Arts Committee.

Personal life

Shin is a direct descendant of the Koyamada clan who was an elite Samurai clan and had owned the Koyamada Castle in the Satsuma Domain since 1334.[51][52][53] Satsuma Domain was controlled throughout the Edo period by the tozama daimyō of the Shimazu clan and one of the most powerful feudal domains in Tokugawa Japan, and played a major role in the Meiji Restoration and in the government of the Meiji Period, which followed.[54]

Shin became a fan of Japanese TV anime series and manga, including Dragon Ball, Samurai X, Naruto, YuYu Hakusho in childhood.

Shin speaks, writes and reads fluent Japanese and English, and a little Spanish and Mandarin.[55]

Others

In addition to his film and television production company Shinca Productions Incorporated, Shin owns Shinca Corporation.

Shin's debut Single titled Movin' On written by Erich Bulling and Brabdon Gatson was released by Meter On Records, an American recorded music label on August 15, 2009.[56]

References

  1. ^ "Shin Koyamada's remarkable martial arts skills".
  2. ^ "Inspired by American and Hong Kong films".
  3. ^ "His decision to moving to Hollywood was already made".
  4. ^ "Road cycling race in Okayama".
  5. ^ "Shin Koyamada is trained in Track and Field at OJAC in Okayama, Japan".
  6. ^ "Shin Koyamada is trained in Gymnastic".
  7. ^ "Shin Koyamada enrolled in English classes and began a strict regimen of language instruction".
  8. ^ a b "Shin Koyamada enrolled in English classes and began a strict regimen of language instruction".
  9. ^ "Shin Koyamada came to Hollywood all by himself".
  10. ^ "Shin Koyamada had no connections in Hollywood when he came to Los Angeles".
  11. ^ "Shin Koyamada appeared in [[Coriolanus]] and choreographed stage combat in the play". {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  12. ^ "Commercial appearance".
  13. ^ Shin Koyamada at IMDb
  14. ^ "Ninja Pays Half My Rent".
  15. ^ "Shin Koyamada plays Nobutada in the Last Samurai".
  16. ^ "Shin Koyamad takes serious training in Kyudo and Yabusame".
  17. ^ "The list of award the Last Samurai received".
  18. ^ "The Last Samurai received box office receipts higher in that country than in the USA]".
  19. ^ "Shin Koyomada: LAST SAMURAI to Last Monk in WENDY WU".
  20. ^ "Shin Koyamada speaks little bit of Mandarin in the movie".
  21. ^ "Wendy Wu was entirely shot in Auckland, New Zealand".
  22. ^ R. Thomas Umstead (January 22, 2007). "Disney Movie Skips to Another Record". Retrieved 2007-09-22.
  23. ^ Jacques Steinberg (June 15, 2006). "Brenda Song Turns Warrior in Disney's 'Wendy Wu'". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-05-09.
  24. ^ Live-Action Fare Gives Disney Channel U.K. a Boost
  25. ^ [http://www.tbs.co.jp/program/wine_dream.html / "Shin Koyamada in Wine Road of the Samurai （ワイン大国を夢見た男達）]"]. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); line feed character in |url= at position 45 (help)
  26. ^ "Shin Koyamada in Japanese feature documentary 'Wine Road of the Samurai', distributed by TBS]".
  27. ^ "Shin Koyamada participates in Disney Channel Games 2007".
  28. ^ "Set to star and produce a feature film 'Ticker', written by Steven Langford]".
  29. ^ "Shin is featured as the main character named Ren Matsuo in the American comic book called The Dreamhoppers]".
  30. ^ "Shin Koyamada earned a Black Belt in Kei Shin Kan Karate]".
  31. ^ "Shin Koyamada earned a Black Belt in Kei Shin Kan Karate]".
  32. ^ "Shin Koyamada competed in the National Karate Tournament in Nagano, Japan]".
  33. ^ "Shin Koyamada earns 3rd degree Black Belt in Kei Shin Kan Karate]".
  34. ^ "Shin studies Northern Shaolin Kung Fu]".
  35. ^ "Shin participated at Lunar New Year's Parade". {{cite web}}: Text "Chinatown, CA]" ignored (help)
  36. ^ "Shin holds a 2nd degree black belt in Taw Kwon Do]".
  37. ^ "Shin holds a black belt in Kung Jung Mu Sul (Korean Royal Court Martial Arts)]".
  38. ^ "Entertainment Weekly: Shin Koyamada at World Martial Arts Masters Expo 05'".
  39. ^ Entertainment Weekly: Shin Koyamada featured on the cover of Black Belt Magazine.
  40. ^ "2001 US Open KuoShu Martial Arts Championships".
  41. ^ "Shin wins 6 times US National Champion".
  42. ^ "Martial Arts Tour of Italy in 2009".
  43. ^ "NETTUNO: MARTIAL ARTS TOUR IL 17 MAGGIO 2009".
  44. ^ "Shin Koyamada and Chuck Norris at KickStart".
  45. ^ "Speacial appearance by Shin Koyamada for the Japan America Society".
  46. ^ "NFL Players & ESPN seek to raise awareness of the Democratic Republic of the Congo".
  47. ^ "Christmas for Congo at Pasadera Country Club".
  48. ^ "The Shin Koyamada Foundation".
  49. ^ "The mission of the Shin Koyamada Foundation".
  50. ^ "The programs of the Shin Koyamada Foundation".
  51. ^ "嶋津家臣団".
  52. ^ "The Koyamada Castle in Satsuma Domain".
  53. ^ "Koyamada's Samurai family lineage".
  54. ^ "Satsuma domains plays one of the most powerful role in the meiji Restoration".
  55. ^ "Shin Koyamada speaks Mandarin in Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior".
  56. ^ "Shin Koyamada's debut Single 'Movin On', produced by Meter On Records".

External links

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