Join former members of Cold Tofu Improv for a hilarious and thought-provoking celebration of their book, “Cold Tofu, The Early Years 1981-1998: The World’s First Asian American Improv Comedy Group,” on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave. in Little Tokyo.
Hosted by Dom Magwili, authors Denice Kumagai-Hoy and Marilyn Tokuda will be joined in conversation by performers Amy Hill, Geoff Rivas, and Joey Miyashima.
Cold Tofu is the country’s oldest Asian American comedy improv group. Two of its founding members and former artistic directors, Tokuda and Kumagai, will share their insights and memories of the group’s inception and early years.
Filled with photographs, a timeline, and quotes from former castmates, board members, and others, “Cold Tofu, The Early Years” will have you laughing, reminiscing, and learning about this amazing group.
Other early members included Judy Momii and Irma Escamilla (co-founders), Phil LaMarr, Jerry Tondo, Scott Nagatani, Jim MacNerland, and Robert Covarrubias.
Based in Little Tokyo, Cold Tofu quickly drew a fanbase with staunch support from the community and fellow Asian American entertainers. During a time when comedy was not a viable path for Asian Americans, the four founding members wanted to provide opportunities for Asian American actors to perform and explore comedy.
This book is available in the JANM Store.
Entry included in JANM admission ($16 adults, $9 seniors/students/youth, free for JANM members). Tickets: www.janm.org/events/2024-09-07/janm-book-club-cold-tofu-early-years-1981-1998