Sessue Hayakaw The Yellow Peril Phenomenon

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All my life has been a journey. But my journey differs from the journeys of most men." – Sessue Hayakawa
The “Yellow Peril” phenomenon had a profound impact on the career trajectory and legacy of Sessue Hayakawa, preventing him from being widely recognized as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.
Before the confluence of “Yellow Peril” frenzy, miscegenation laws, and implementation of the “Production Code”, the Japanese born Hayakawa was one of the most profitable leading actors, and widely regarded as a romantic idol and sex symbol. His power and influence rivaled that of any White actor at the time, and he had begun to use that platform to promote positive imagery of other Asians, with the launch of his own production company, “Haworth Pictures Corporation.” Unfortunately, all of this promise was cut short when the hysteria commenced.
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Upon graduating from the University of Chicago in 1912, he traveled to Los Angeles to await the trans-Pacific steamship to take him back to Japan. While in LA, he discovered the Japanese Theatre in Little Tokyo, and became enthralled with acting and performing plays. One of the first productions Hayakawa performed was called “The Typhoon”. He was a natural. Tsuru Aoki, a member of the acting ensemble, was so impressed with Hayakawa's abilities and enthusiasm, that she sought after film producer Thomas H. Ince, and convinced him to see the play. Ince was so impressed with the production, he not only offered to turn it into a silent film, but wanted to use the original cast. However, this news didn’t diminish Hayakawa’s resolve to return to Japan, so Hayakawa tried to unhinge Ince by requesting the then-astronomic fee of $500 a week, but Ince did not falter, and agreed to his request. Hayakawa stayed and completed the

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