By Woojung Choi |Staff Writer|

This Asian culture fever may be affected by the increase of the Asian population all over America, notably in cities such as Los Angeles, California.

“Since 2010, Asian Americans have been the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the United States…with the total Asian-American population in the U.S. at 19.4 million,” according to NBC news.

The most representative example of Asian culture fever in America is K-Pop, particularly Gangnam style.
Korean singer Psy wrote the lyrics to the song which became a huge hit in the U.S., ranking second on the Billboard Hot 100 list in America.

“I have heard of Gangnam style when it first became a hit. It was catchy and my nephew at the time loved to hear the song,” said student Summer Zeit.

Asian foods such as sushi, soy sauce, pho, and Korean BBQ are no longer unfamiliar to the student body.

Even though sushi is a traditional Japanese cuisine, sushi restaurants are growing in popularity.

“Not only is it delicious cooked or raw, but it is beautifully made. Every time I go out for sushi, I always get this beautiful plate of food that I can’t help but to snap a picture,” said student Gina Fields.

“The iconic Asian culture has been growing even in movies like the Fast and Furious movies,” said Zeit.

“I believe the most iconic influence that Asian culture has had on me I think of games. Mainly video games like Super Mario and Donkey Kong and of course, who can forget the Tamagotchi, my first pet,” said Fields.

Fields gushed over Vera Wang’s elegant clothing line that she has seen many times across red carpets.

“If only I could afford her. Maybe one day. But I do like to look to get inspiration and from other Asian influences when it comes to fashion,” said Fields.

Student Darnica Nguyen recommended “Paris by Night”, a Vietnamese musical variety show, to those who would like a television series to watch in celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

“The series has everything from modern/folk Vietnamese music to drama/comedy skits that deal with Asian American problems and mini documentaries,” said Nguyen.

Student Lizette Chapa admires the works of Japanese director Hideaki Anno, perhaps best known for his work on “Neon Genesis Evangelion.”

“Something I really like about him, and I guess Miyazaki too, is that they’re really outspoken against ‘otaku’ culture, even at the cost of losing fans or money because there are some really weird people,” said Chapa.

“I believe Korean dramas cut across all ages. They really teach us the morals of society and it’s fun watching with all those sweet, romantic moments. And I love Lee Min Ho,” said student Fanny Silva.

Asian culture has brought some amazing and iconic things to the U.S. that many Coyotes will certainly remember and enjoy forever.