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The innovation and culture behind these Asian-owned brands will upgrade your shoe game.

These Asian-owned footwear brands deserve just as much attention as your favorite Nike sneakers or everyday Birkenstocks.

Starting off with a footwear classic, Mizuno was founded in 1906 in Osaka and built their empire with high performance sneakers. Runners swear by Mizuno’s comfort and the brand also carries shoes for specific sports like volleyball and tennis. Their affordable pricing and sleek style have made Mizuno a quiet favorite amongst athletes.

Next we have 1587 Sneakers, which is named after the year Filipinos arrived in North America. With the name alone this brand is making statements blending Filipino culture with modern sneaker culture and has even been invested in by award winning actor Daniel Dae Kim. 1587 Sneakers is known to release limited edition drops, each with a cultural story that conjures Filipino pride.

Moving on to Onitsuka Tiger, one of Japan’s most loved sneaker brands that was created to promote sports after World War II. Today Onitsuka Tiger’s shoes bring a vintage aesthetic to the footwear scene, using their original silhouettes, but reimagining them for sneaker lovers that appreciate heritage and streetwear fashion.

Finally, Olympic athlete Li Ning’s self named brand has been known to mix performance and streetwear into their sneakers. Not only is it a popular running shoe in China, Li Ning’s fashionable footwear has earned the brand notable collaborations with international designers and athletes and has even been seen on runways in major cities.

Amar Hanspal’s AI-powered Motif is poised to become an essential tool for architects and engineers.

Amar Hanspal is the CEO and founder of Motif, a company transforming architecture, engineering, and construction industries with its collaborative AI-powered design software. 

Founded in 2023, the platform allows users to generate 3D layouts by simply providing parameters like the number of conference rooms, ceiling heights, and window placements. Additionally, exterior sketches can be uploaded to generate robust mockups.

Clients include DLR Group, Perkins&Will, and Heatherwick Studio whose testimonials rave about its seamless implementation with existing projects.

Motif raised $46 million from CapitalG and Redpoint in its Seed and Series A funding rounds.

Hanspal’s 30-year career includes 15 at Autodesk where he was a former co-CEO and Chief Product Officer.  A key achievement of his was transitioning the company to a cloud-based, subscription-focused business model.  He co-founded Motif with Brian Mathews, another former Autodesk executive.

Prior to Motif Hanspal co-founded Bright Machines in 2018, an AI-powered software solution for manufacturing.  He served as CEO until 2021. Hanspal received a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stony Brook University in 1986 and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Bombay in 1984.

In 130 years Nintendo went from making playing cards to building the world's greatest gaming empire.

Long before anyone had ever heard of the iconic Mario character, Nintendo was just another trading card company in Japan called Nintendo Koppai. Let’s rewind back 130 years and see how these cards evolved into a modern gaming powerhouse. 

Fusajiro Yamauchi is the mastermind behind the Nintendo name. He began creating hanafuda playing cards in 1889 which he hand painted himself and because most forms of gambling was banned in Japan at the time, Yamauchi’s cards became very desirable. This led Yamauchi to open his very first store in Kyoto called Marufuku Nintendo Card Co. 

With the business taking off, Yamauchi was able to hire a team to mass produce the hanafuda cards allowing Nintendo to dominate the playing card industry for decades. Unfortunately, due to slow manufacturing and high product costs, sales were negatively impacted and it wasn’t until Yamauchi’s grandson Hiroshi Yamauchi took over in 1951. 

He changed the name of the company to Nintendo Playing Card Co. and in 1959, Hiroshi signed a partnership with Walt Disney Productions to incorporate Disney characters onto their playing cards. This opened up Nintendo’s fan base to children, resulting in an increase in production and sales selling over 1.5 million card packs in 1961. 

Over time, Hiroshi began to see the playing card market decline, so he decided to take a huge risk investing in toys and games. They made their entrance into the arcade video game world with Sheriff and Radar Scope, but their first big hit was Donkey Kong in 1981. This led Hiroshi to introduce the famous mustached character, Mario, into Donkey Kong’s world, marking a moment that would change gaming forever. 

By 1983 the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, was available in North America, bringing us legendary games like Super Mario Bros. and Metroid. As the years went by, Nintendo stayed on top of the innovation game with their release of the Game Boy in 1989 and the Nintendo 64 that brought 3D worlds into gaming culture. 

The Nintendo DS and Wii took the 2000s by storm proving that gaming wasn’t just for gamers, it was for everyone. The DS had two screens fit onto a portable console that you could bring with you anywhere and the Wii’s remote control sensors turned living rooms into home arcades. 

In 2017 the Nintendo Switch was released giving users the choice to play as a handheld console or at home on your TV screen. With thousands of games available, the Switch became the third best selling console of all time, shipping over 150 million units internationally by 2024. 

Nintendo took things to the next level by bringing Super Nintendo World to life at Universal Studios Japan in 2021 and later to Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023 where fans could physically step into the Mushroom Kingdom and participate in interactive games. Visitors can walk around and meet Nintendo characters, eat at themed cafes, and use their Power-Up bands to collect coins, just like in the virtual games. 

The internet can’t get enough of these viral Asian flavors taking over the dessert world.

These are not your average desserts. Asian flavors are making their way into desserts that everyone is craving.

Number 5: Ube

This yam from the Philippines has dessert lovers curious as its bright purple color has been seen in ice creams, cakes, and donuts. While ube is suddenly trendy in the United States, Filipinos have been using it as a cooking staple for over 400 years. Its flavor is sweet, nutty, not too overpowering and that eye-catching hue makes any ube dessert photogenic.

Number 4: Yuzu

Most people know yuzu as a citrus Japanese flavor that you can find in tarts, sorbets, and pies, but it actually originated in Central China before being introduced to Japan and Korea during the Tang Dynasty. Yuzu is zesty with a hint of bitterness that makes it very distinct from a lemon or lime. It has that kind of flavor that can elevate any dessert with the perfect mix of sour, sweet, and refreshing.

Number 3: Taro

One of the earliest crops to ever be domesticated in Asia is Ube’s underrated cousin. Taro originates from Southeast Asia and has brought an earthy flavor and lavender color to Western desserts. The balance between sweet and nutty and taro's creamy texture makes it the perfect ingredient to add to ice cream or cake. A taro milk tea with boba is a popular go to for many as it creates a comforting and cozy feeling for your tastebuds.

Number 2: Lychee

It’s the ultimate summer flavor that is like a mix between a grape and a rose. The juicy and refreshing fruit first began growing in the Yunnan province in China over 2,000 years ago where it was a delicacy to the elite. Today that same exotic taste has made lychee a flavorful addition to slushies, desserts, and cocktails. It’s slightly tangy, very recognizable, and it adds a touch of elegance to anything it touches.

Number 1: Matcha

The green tea powder that dates back to the Tang and Song Dynasties has become a regular part of the American lifestyle. Matcha is found everywhere now, commonly in crafted drinks, pancakes, and ice cream. The sweetness and subtly bitter flavor is also antioxidant-rich giving matcha lovers the perfect excuse to get their fix. Matcha is ancient, but its influence has proven to be timeless as it continues to be inspiration for various delicious desserts.

The writer/director of Shang-Chi will helm the next Spider-Man epic.

Japanese American filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton will direct the Spider-Man blockbuster slated for June 2026 release.

Cretton’s career hit a new high in 2021 when he helmed the Marvel movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings — a project he also co-wrote.  The movie broke the Labor Day weekend box office record and ultimately grossed $432 million worldwide, nearly three times its budget.

Just Mercy released in 2019 is Cretton’s most critically acclaimed studio feature.  He directed and co-wrote the biographical legal drama starring Michael B. Jordan and Jaime Foxx.  It won Outstanding Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards.

In 2017 two of his works were released — The Glass Castle and The Shack.  The latter is the only feature he wrote but didn’t direct.

Cretton’s first films were Short Term 12 in 2013 and I Am Not a Hipster in 2012.   Short Term 12 won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at its debut at the South by Southwest Film Festival.  The feature was developed from a short film he used as the thesis for his master’s degree at San Diego State.

Cretton’s undergraduate degree was in communications from San Diego’s Point Loma Nazarene University.  Destin Daniel Cretton was born and raised in Haiku, Hawaii.

With stunning debuts and championship reigns, these Asian wrestlers have carved their place in WWE history.

WWE has showcased talent from all parts of the world and these Asian wrestlers have broken stereotypes, won championships, and inspired millions of fans.

Number 5: Gail Kim

She’s a retired Canadian-American wrestler of Korean descent who made waves in WWE immediately after joining in 2002. Kim became the first WWE Diva to ever win a championship in her debut match which was a seven-woman battle royal. She won by eliminating Victoria and making history with the start of her WWE run. Unfortunately the lack of opportunities with the company made Kim move on to be the face of Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts Division where she was later inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.

Number 4: The Great Khali

Standing over 7 feet tall, the Great Khali became the first Indian WWE World Champion and is known for his high-profile feuds and storylines. He wrestled for six years before signing with WWE in 2006 where he has participated in many pay-per-view events like Wrestlemania, which is like WWE’s Super Bowl, and Summerslam, the biggest night of the summer. His presence in the company has left a legendary mark and opened up the door for Indian fans.

Number 3: Shinsuke Nakamura

He has been wrestling since 2002 bringing electrifying moves and “Strong Style” to the ring. Nakamura signed with WWE in 2016 and started his career off at NXT, WWE’s developmental brand. After being added to the SmackDown main roster, the Kyoto-born wrestler made his debut in the ring at pay-per-view event, Backlash, in May 2017. The following year Nakamura’s talent shined bright when he won the 2018 Royal Rumble earning himself a headlining match at Wrestlemania 34 where he was unfortunately defeated by AJ Styles.

Number 2: Batista

Some may only know him as a Hollywood movie star but wrestling fans know Dave Bautista as “The Animal”. He is a six time World Heavyweight Champion, two time WWE Champion and was one of the faces of WWE’s Ruthless Aggression Era. His wrestling career with WWE began in 1999 and he has stacked up multiple iconic wins including two Royal Rumble wins in 2005 and 2014. The Superstar of Filipino descent has headlined events with legends like John Cena and Triple H, then later conquered the big screens with famous roles, such as Drax in the Marvel Series.

Number 1: Asuka

She’s the “Empress of Tomorrow” making an impressive impact in WWE. Asuka signed with WWE in 2015, starting off at NXT. In just one year, she won the NXT Women’s Championship, setting the record for the longest title reign holding it for 510 days. Asuka was moved to the main roster in 2017 and in 2018 she won the very first Women’s Royal Rumble match. This truly kicked off Asuka’s WWE run as she later went on to become Raw Women’s Champion, Smackdown Women’s Champion, and four time Women’s Tag Team Champion. She also added Grand Slam Champion and Triple Crown Champion to her resume as well as Elimination Chamber and Money in the Bank wins.

After a stunning 28-second knockout in his UFC debut, undefeated Korean fighter Joo Sang Yoo, "Zombie Jr.," prepares to face ranked opponent Daniel Santos.

Korean MMA featherweight fighter Joo Sang Yoo holds an undefeated professional record of 9 wins and 0 losses since his 2021 debut.

His nickname “Zombie Jr.” pays homage to retired Korean UFC fighter Jung Chan-sung whom Yoo credits with the realization of his UFC dreams.  The “Zombie” plays to their aggressive fighting style, continuing to move forward even after absorbing heavy blows.

Yoo made his UFC debut on June 7, 2025 against Jeka Saragih in UFC 316, knocking him out in just 28 seconds.  His electric appearance earned a $50,000 performance of the night bonus.

His professional record of 4 knockouts, 1 submission, and 4 unanimous decisions has secured the 31-year-old a number 116 ranking in the featherweight division. Yoo’s second UFC appearance is scheduled for October 4, 2025 at UFC 320 in Las Vegas against 55th ranked Daniel Santos.   Sportsbooks give slight edge to Santos with Draft Kings -142 being the biggest outlier.  Though both orthodox fighters stand 5’7” Yoo outreaches Santos by 4” favoring his boxing tendencies.

Tadashi Yanai didn’t need to follow trends or plaster a logo on shirts to grow Uniqlo into one of the world’s biggest clothing retailers.

In an industry where brand names and logos always stand out, Uniqlo took the opposite approach prioritizing simplicity and timelessness. They’ve built their reputation through what they call LifeWear, which consists of pieces that can be worn by anyone, anywhere.

Uniqlo’s story begins in 1984 with one of the richest men in Japan, Tadashi Yanai. After inheriting his father’s 22 tailoring shops, Yanai decided to start his own retail chain and opened a brand new store in Hiroshima called Unique Clothing Warehouse which would later be renamed, Uniqlo.

The vision was simple. Yanai wanted to provide affordable basics that had the same quality as higher end brands. Uniqlo was offering functional clothing for every age, gender, and social status and this inclusive style began to resonate with Japan’s shoppers. Uniqlo’s momentum continued to grow and Yanai officially rebranded his father’s tailoring chain into Fast Retailing, a multinational retail holding company.

By April 1994 Yanai was able to establish over 100 Uniqlo stores in Japan keeping his costs low without affecting product quality. He looked to international retail companies like Gap for inspiration and executed their style and methods in Japan, focusing on timeless pieces.

With over 500 stores in Japan by 2001, international expansion began in the United Kingdom when Yanai made the decision to open 21 locations. This quickly became a lesson for Yanai as the lack of cultural adaptation in the area led to over half of those stores to close. But rather than giving up, he studied global markets and started to curate each store into a stage that would showcase the Uniqlo brand exceptionally.

Uniqlo landed itself in one of the world’s fashion capitals in 2006 with a flagship store in New York’s Soho District and from there expansion only continued. Flagship stores were opened in Singapore, Shanghai, and Paris in ideal locations near urban centers.

While other brands were looking to stay up to date with trends, Uniqlo focused on building an identity around LifeWear, high quality essentials that could be worn every day. Yanai also invested in fabric innovation, developing their HeatTech and AIRism lines that provide comfortability in any climate without breaking the bank.

Uniqlo has evolved into a brand that customers can trust for practicality and style. Today there are over 2,500 Uniqlo locations in 25 different countries and Fast Retailing sits as the third-largest apparel company in the world. By focusing on timeless designs and innovation, Tadashi Yanai was able to transform Uniqlo into a worldwide closet staple that’s embraced by millions of people. Trends come and go, but Yanai’s commitment to simplicity is what put Uniqlo at the very top.

Khan Academy transformed free education with an online library used by 180 million.

Salman Khan is an educator who founded Khan Academy, a non-profit educational platform that provides free world-class education to anyone with an internet connection.

In 2004, as Khan began tutoring his cousin in math, he began posting lesson videos on YouTube.  As of 2025 Khan Academy has over 180 million registered users globally and is available in more than 50 languages.  

The library of over 8,900 videos has surpassed 2.2 billion views on YouTube and cover a wide range of subjects for kindergarten through early college, including math, science, history, and SAT preparation.

One of the most viewed videos is a 2013 interview with Elon Musk with 6.9 million views.  Among Khan Academy’s top content are lessons in calculus, probability and biology which make up its core subjects.

NASA, Nova Labs, and the Asian Art Museum have all partnered with Khan Academy to create lesson plans that cover their expertise.

Khan Academy is primarily funded by donations from philanthropic organizations and individuals.  Bank of America, Comcast, and the Amgen Foundation have all donated over $10 million.

In 2022 Google security experts paired up with Khan to create an Internet Safety Course that provides actionable advice to keep online accounts secure.  Khan Academy also produced a 20-part series focused on personal finance in 2015 in partnership with Visa. Khan, 48, is a Bengali Muslim born in Metairie, Louisiana to a father from Bangladesh and a mother from India.   He earned two bachelor’s degrees from MIT – one in mathematics and one in electrical engineering and computer science, followed by an MBA from Harvard.  He worked from 2003 to 2009 as a hedge fund analyst at Connective Capital Management.

In less than a decade TikTok became the world's most powerful social media platform where trends go viral daily.

When TikTok launched, so did a cultural revolution. The hours spent scrolling and viral dances once were not a part of our everyday lives but in just a few years TikTok has become one of the most downloaded apps in the world

In September 2016 Chinese tech company ByteDance released A.me, a social media platform which allowed users to upload short-video content. Later in December the name was changed to what is now known today as Douyin and in just one year it had 100 million users and over one billion videos being viewed every day. Since Douyin proved to be a success in China, ByteDance developed an international version of it, TikTok.

But over in the States, a different Chinese-owned short-video platform was making waves, Musical.ly. This app gave users different editing features such as time-lapse, slow motion, and pre-set filters and gave the option to browse through trending songs and sounds. From their Santa Monica office, Musical.ly launched in both the Chinese and American App Stores earlier in August 2014 and had over 200 million active users by May 2017.

In 2018 ByteDance made a huge move and purchased Musical.ly for nearly $1 billion in order to merge it with TikTok. This merge is what pushed TikTok to become a worldwide phenomenon as it was able to consolidate data from existing accounts into one app while keeping the name, TikTok.

What made TikTok so addicting was its algorithm. At the time, on social media we would only see content from people we followed, but TikTok’s For You Page showed users videos that were tailored to their interests regardless of who they followed. This made doom scrolling inevitable and gave anyone the opportunity to go viral overnight, which created a whole new category of internet celebrities or influencers.

By 2019 TikTok was the most downloaded app in the United States and the COVID pandemic in 2020 made it the world’s most downloaded app since everyone had nothing but time on their hands. It became a place where you could learn how to do anything like test new recipes, or even get advice from professionals.

Today TikTok has accumulated more than 5 billion downloads since its release. Over the years it has continued to add new factors such as live streaming, e-commerce, and even the ability to upload videos up to 10 minutes long. TikTok has expanded from silly entertainment into education, businesses, and full-on content creation. One single app has reshaped the way people use social media and it is now a birthplace for viral trends. In less than one decade, TikTok redefined pop culture and the future of social media as one of the most powerful platforms on the planet.