LOGLINE
Mr. Miyagi’s life history from Okinawa to America during and after World War 2. He must join the US Army to prove his loyalty while battling racism, resentment, and tragedy.
OVERVIEW
Based on true stories of Japanese American’s, he is haunted by his past and compelled to defend the helpless.
Daniel LaRusso writes a Biography about Mr. Miyagi. Becoming a best-seller, he highlights his heroics while also bringing to light the cover-ups and atrocities of wrongly incarcerated Japanese Americans.
Johnny, in a bad car accident, is held captive in his hospital bed. He gets a surprise visit from Daniel who gifts him the biography and recites to Johnny his favorite Miyagi stories.
Funny stories. Tragic Stories. Epic adventures with his best friend Ronnie. They are an unlikely pair. Ronnie is giant compared to Miyagi who is small in stature. Like Laurel and Hardy. The Yin to his Yang. They build a car business together. Life in Hawaii and then California in the 1940’s. Meeting and falling in love with his wife, they face many challenges while being incarcerated. Being imprisoned and rejected by his new beloved country, he fights through the betrayal and injustice. After losing everything he owns and forced to fight in the war to prove his patriotism, he is ordered on several suicide missions. He prevails as a decorated war hero only to encounter the loss of his friend, wife, and child. Rather than bury himself in sorrow, he commits his life to defend those who are bullied and suppressed while fighting his own internal demons. He persistently faces rejection and racism but refuses to give up.
Ultimately he rebuilds his life with new friends and family who cherish him. He builds a handyman business and car restoration hobby in an attempt to seek balance in his life. Still missing something critical, he yearns to have his own son. Someone to mentor and pass down his family skills, secrets, and traditions.
THE CHARACTERS
Nariyoshi Keisuke “Hideo” Miyagi (aka Miyagi / Mr. Miyagi)
Our protagonist character. We learn all about his life and family. In good times and bad.
His family simply calls him Miyagi. Originating from his baseball coach. After joining the U.S. Army, he chooses the name “Hideo” to receive his Medal of Honor, this name to honor his younger brother who had a crippling spinal disease.
His childhood years: He was always small for his age but huge in personality. Slightly pudgy with an adorable round face, and had an infectious smile. Smarter than most, he is quick witted and easily makes friends everywhere he goes. Unfortunately, his small and round stature makes him a target for the neighborhood bullies. He is a passionate son, who inherits the strong traits of his samurai ancestry and constantly wants to study his father’s work ethic and warrior traditions.
His teenage years: He begins to grow out of his pudgy childhood stage and his round face begins to slim down, transforming him into a handsome young man. He is surprisingly strong for his size and lightning quick. Confident, yet humble. Funny, but can be intensely serious. The girls notice his wit, charm, and confidence. The bullies become jealous of those traits. Still undersized, they constantly confront him physically. He uses his training to avoid fighting whenever possible.
His adult years: He finds true love and yearns for a family of his own. As a lifelong student of Japanese traditions, karate, and resolution, he becomes the Sensei. He wants to pass down his vast knowledge and experience. He learns to apply his training to his battles in every aspect. He would do anything to help those in need of help. He’s a defender of the little guy and valuable asset to his community. Zero tolerance for bullies, yet always peaceful in approach. When pushed, he de-escalates. When cornered, he evades. When knocked down, he gets up. When attacked, he defends ferociously. When tragedy strikes, he adapts. He continues forward to find life balance .
General Otto Hagel
Our antagonist character. The General, in charge of the American Western Defense Command, decided that Japanese Americans were potential saboteurs. Based on his recommendation, F.D.R. authorized the internment of 112,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry. Ironically, Hagel, of german decent did not order any Americans of Germans ancestry into camps.
Chojun (Cho-Joon) Miyagi – His Father / master (aka Sensei)
He is a stern, serious man, yet dry sense of humor. Speaks few words, but has great meaning in the words he speaks.
Ume Miyagi (Ooh May) – His Mother
She’s loving, caring, and Miyagi obviously gets his sense of humor from her.
Hideo Miyagi (Hid-Ay-Oh) – His Little Brother (Age 5 in 1940)
Yoshiko Miyagi – His Female Cousin (Age 7 in 1940)
Sutomo Miyagi – His Male Cousin (age 19 in 1940)
Fumio “Fume” Miyagi – His Uncle
Sadako Miyagi – His Aunt
Sato Toguchi – His Okinawa best friend
Masako Miyagi – His love / wife (Mrs. Miyagi)
Bertha “Bertie” Kasai – His female Fairfield, CA friend
Ron “Ronnie” Kasai – His internment camp / army buddy
Wayne Toyama – His Hawaiian friend / co-worker
Masaichi Tanamine (Tan-a-mean-eh) – His childhood friend
Koi Sakai – His childhood friend
Yukie Tanamine – His Okinawa Female Crush
Wataru “Wat” Yamashita – His Fairfield, CA friend and basketball teammate
Yukio “Casey” Kasai – His Fairfield, CA co-worker
Sgt. Seth Roth – His Army Recruiter / Sergeant
Officer Steve Hopkins – Fairfield, CA Policeman
Christen Anderson – Fairfield, CA Co-Worker’s
Chris Hood– Fairfield, CA Co-Worker’s
Robert Potter – Fairfield, CA Co-Worker’s
Blythe Barnes – Fairfield, CA Neighbor
Jack Barnes – Fairfield, CA friend
Christine, Kasey, Jon Mangum – Fairfield, CA neighbors