#30: Kan Dang - “That Moment” in Anime, Finding Purpose through Service, and Living Life Fully

Kan Dang shares how dance transformed his life, shaping his identity, confidence, and sense of purpose through years of dedication to the art form and mentorship of young dancers.

• Credits dance with developing his social skills and helping him overcome natural introversion
• Discusses how comparing yourself to others is unhealthy as everyone has different strengths and journeys
• Recommends Haikyuu as his favorite anime for its fantastic character development and inspiring moments
• Defines success as happiness rather than traditional markers like financial security
• Emphasizes the importance of showing up for people and making time to connection 

Guest bio:
Kan is a technically inclined creative and community-minded soul who is passionate about cultivating a safe, empowering environment. He has been a part of organizations such as the Kaba Modern Family and Culture Shock Los Angeles. In his free time, you can catch him playing video games; watching anime; playing trading card games; and going on adventures with his wonderful girlfriend Tiffany. 

• IG: @kandaaang / https://www.instagram.com/kandaaang/

Links/resources:

• Kaba Modern Welcome Week 2012 (dance showcase)
• Haikyuu (anime - wikipedia)
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (videogame - wikipedia)
• Stardew Valley (videogame - wikipedia)
• Your Name (anime movie - wikipedia)
• Rock Lee scene from Naruto (YouTube)
• My Hero Academia, 2nd movie, final battle scene (YouTube)
• Demon Slayer (anime - wikipedia)
• Zoro’s “nothing happened” scene (YouTube)
• Dandadan (anime - wikipedia)
• Home-y Made Meals (charity organization)
• Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger (book summary)
• Homies, 3rd Place @Vibe 2025 (dance competition - YouTube)
• Atomic Habits by James Clear (book summary)
• The Pitt (TV show - Wikipedia)

Transcript

Copy Transcript Copied

J.R. 0:00

Hello everyone and welcome back to another fun episode of 1000 Gurus with me . Your host , jr Yonacruz . So today's guest is Kan Dang . Kan is a technically inclined , creative and community-minded soul who is passionate about cultivating a safe , empowering environment . He aims to serve those around him in development and fulfillment through mentorship , supportive community collaborations and technically-minded solutions . He has been a part of organizations such as the Cabo Modern family and Culture Shock , Los Angeles . In his free time , you can catch him playing video games , watching anime , playing trading card games and going on adventures with his wonderful girlfriend , tiffany .

J.R. 0:35

So Ken and I go way back , having been newbies on Cabo Modern in our first year of college back in 2010 . Since then , it's been a pleasure to be connected with this guy . He's one of the most kind , compassionate people you ever meet and , as you'll learn in this interview , he has a real heart for service and adding to the experiences of the lives around him . We chat about various topics , including his dance journey , travel , anime , service and purpose . Ken is one of those guys who inspires you to continuously strive to be the better version of yourself through his own example . So I was very happy to be able to have him on the show . So , without further ado , hope you enjoy this episode with Ken Dang . Hello everyone and welcome back to 1000 Gurus

Interview Start

J.R. 1:16

. Please welcome my guest , ken Dang .

Kan 1:19

Hi everyone , Thank you for having me .

J.R. 1:21

Yeah , thanks for being here , Ken , I'm excited to have you . Yeah , you are what's it called ? Third in the series of our K10 class on my show , so it's going to be nice , like we're talking before off camera . My plan is to have us do a little reunion with a four person guest show on the big set at podcast place , so that should be pretty fun , because Alex's episode will come out tomorrow , next week , and I think we had so much fun that I'm like , okay , we need to do this more . So I'm excited for that . Yeah , so let me just go into how I know you and then we'll show a video . But basically so , yeah , we are the same couple .

J.R. 1:58

Modern class 2010 that was january 2010 and so we've known each other for pretty much like 15 years now , right . And then , yeah , like similar to june and alex . Yeah , we've known each other for pretty much like 15 years now , right . And then , yeah , like similar to June and Alex , yeah , we've known each other since then . We hang out , like maybe once a year at our annual gatherings and I know you've been doing your thing . You've also been dancing . I think all of us can't stop dancing , so it's just been non-stop for the last 15 years , which is great , and we're just trying to fight old age . I'm pretty sure we're're all feeling it . Yes and yeah , I know you're up to a lot of stuff . You're also a fellow anime nerd . You play video games as well . We're the same era , so it's kind of like that whole thing . Any clarifications or anything else that you want to add to that ?

Kan 2:36

Not really Just that for everyone watching . It's really been an honor to have known JR for so long . We've been through a lot , especially on our time on Cabo Modern , and I feel like that type of bond that we have is really for life , and so I'm really grateful to have him in my life and I'm very honored to be here . So thank you again for having me .

J.R. 2:56

Thanks , Ken . Okay , so let's start our warmup with this really good Cabo Modern 2012 Welcome Week set . Just like the first few seconds of this . I picked this one because we were in the front .

Kan 3:09

We're .

J.R. 3:10

Skinny Spud .

Kan 3:11

Yes , who choreographed this ? This section , I believe , beginning , I think , is actually your section .

J.R. 3:18

Okay see .

Kan 3:19

This is Alex's .

J.R. 3:19

Yeah , okay , that makes sense . I was trying to figure out . I'm like I don't know if I created this or if it was collaborative , and so , yeah , it's collaborative , right , but I was like this looks familiar , but maybe I just practiced it so much . I wanted to know because you knew . I'm like I know Ken knows . Yes , yes , yeah , but there's a lot of videos I could have shown . But that was just for fun , cool , yeah . Anything else into topics , no , I think I'm good , cool , all right . So first topic is usually origin story , main influences , life trajectory . So first question is basically you know , where did you grow up ? What were your main influences

Kan's Dance Origins & Achievements

J.R. 3:53

that kind of got you to where you are today ?

Kan 3:56

Yeah , I guess , since our relationship is through dance , I can talk about my dance origin story , I guess . So I went to a high school in Cyprus called Oxford Academy , and it's kind of like a college prep school , where your curriculum is really set out for you . You don't get to choose any of your classes . The only thing you can choose is which elective pathway you can take , and so my options were choir , art or band , and I had already taken art in junior high .

Kan 4:23

And I kind of want to try something new , and for bands you had to buy your own instrument , so I didn't want to do that either . Interestingly , I chose choir , even though still to this day I would say I don't know how to sing and I avoid singing at all costs . But funnily enough , the choir program had an after school dance program and I was like you know what's the worst that could happen , so I'll just try it . It looked fun and so I started the program and it was actually led by someone from the dance community . Her name is Lizzie and she was from PacModern , and so I got a lot of my exposure to a lot of different art forms and the dance community through that . And she told me about Pac's like intensive , which was PacCamp at the time , and so I went to that and I learned that's like the very first time I learned like locking , breaking , popping house . I did that and I actually met some at the time Caba kids , I believe John and Amy were there and they told me about Caba kids and then I , you know , the intensive ended and I went back to school and I found out that Caba kids were actually at my school , so they told me about it as well , and so I was . You know , the intensive ended and I went back to school and I found out that Kabukids were actually at my school , so they told me about it as well , and so I was like you know , I think it could be fun . That's pretty much my mindset as a kid , right ? If it's fun , I'll try it .

Kan 5:34

And I auditioned and miraculously I made it , because whenever I watch that video , it's I die a little bit inside . This is for kaba kids . This is for kaba kids . Which year is this ? This is 2007 , and at the time , it was known as creative movement . Actually , yeah , I auditioned and it literally just changed my entire life . I got exposure to what it's like being on a team like our dance community , in socal competitions , like showcases , what staging is choreography , blocking , freestyling , everything and through that , I auditioned for Cobb Modern when I was able to in 2010 , which is when we met , and that was my first collegiate experience . And then I directed Cobb Kids during that time and , yeah , I've been dancing ever since . I've been able to dance on a lot of different projects and teams and everything . So I'm very , very grateful , and currently I dance on Culture Shock , los Angeles . So I would say that's probably like my dance origin story yeah , nice .

J.R. 6:33

I guess my question is and I know just the nature of having 90% of my guests are dancers but how has like that journey that you went through and the people that you surround yourself with and those experiences , how has it like impacted or informed you as a person or the way you kind of approach life ?

Kan 6:50

yeah , so for me , I actually attribute like everything to my dance journey , like who I am today , like my sense of purpose , my identity , like any type of confidence I have , my relationships . I feel like that all grew out of dance . And so I think for me , as long as I'm able to , I want to keep dance in my life for as long as possible . And , yeah , I think I owe a lot to Lizzie , who started it all for me , for Kabukids , for taking me in and starting me on this SoCal dance journey . And , yeah , I think to me , even if I don't , maybe I won't be like so intense with dance in the future , I know it will always be a part of me and I really really , really credit it to making me the person I am today are there some characteristics or aspects of yourself that you feel like you got from that , from your dance journey experience ?

J.R. 7:45

I know that's probably like a big wide thing , right but , is there anything you can point to that be like ?

Kan 7:49

yeah , I I would definitely be more like this if it wasn't for these people in my life I think the biggest thing is that if I did not have dance , I feel like I would actually be a lot more introverted . And so because of dance and dance teams in general are like very social , they have very social dynamics . I feel like because of that I really learn how to interact with people , like how to make people feel comfortable , like how to create friendships , how to have a good time . I know I like to have a lot of fun and sometimes that involves like just being a goofball or like trolling people or watching really old videos of people . I know a lot of people have had that candy experience where I bring up like an old video or old performance so , yeah , I think I think that's definitely one of the things that I got out of dance .

Kan 8:41

And another thing I think is my leadership experience . I think because I was able to direct Gobble Kids for so long , I feel like I'm a lot more organized , for sure , and I like to be more hands-on and kind of be in control of , like my own destiny and things like that . So , yeah , I would say those two things are the biggest things I got out of my dance experience , for sure .

J.R. 9:04

I was gonna ask so what were some of the dance-related things or achievements that you're most proud of ? Just to point to what you have built or accomplished over your dance career . And I guess what kind of takeaways would you give to the audience or stuff that you've learned that's really helped you along the way in those achievements ?

Kan 9:23

Yeah , thank you for asking or stuff that you've learned that's really helped you along the way in those achievements . Yeah , thank you for asking . For sure , I think the story that I like to tell the most is that I was fortunate enough to direct Caba Kids HHI from 2015 to 2018 with several different groups of kids and people , and I'm very proud of that experience because during that streak we actually managed to get a medal every year , every one of those years , and go to worlds , which up until then was like it seemed like such a hard journey to do . We had I myself have done HHI and I had never gone to worlds myself and to have this experience where a lot is riding on the decisions you make and like seeing how bad the kids like really want to do well , I think that was probably the most fulfilling part .

Kan 10:09

I remember each year before they announced the standings , they would .

Kan 10:13

There's like a little countdown or drum roll and we're all like just huddled together , like praying that we advance , and to hear them say Kaaba Kids is like a feeling I'll never .

Kan 10:24

And to hear them say Caba Kids is like a feeling I'll never , ever , ever forget and I think even 50 years from now , I'll look back and I'll watch those videos and I'll reminisce about the times we had and I feel like during that journey it really made me learn that at that time , I feel like that was like my purpose to direct Caba Kids to be a part of their lives and to do everything in my power to make their dreams happen .

Kan 10:52

And I'm very grateful for everyone who supported me and who was a part of that journey , like the other directors who were part of it the kids , the parents , the choreographers , my friends . You know something like that . It really shows that if you believe in something , you will find other people to support you to do it , and so my takeaway is that if you are fortunate enough to find something that gives you purpose , to really hold on to it and put your all into it , because you never know when an opportunity like that will come again and I still talk to just about every one of those kids .

Kan 11:26

Today I see them . They're grown adults . Some of them dance for a living , which is amazing . You know , some of them have been grown to become like just amazing , amazing people , and to have that connection that connects all of us is truly like a blessing , and I'm very very grateful for that experience .

J.R. 11:46

Yeah , I think we'll go circle back to like directorship and service and purpose as well , Because I think those are . That's another topic I want to get on . I think last thing

Hardest Challenges & Dance Advice

J.R. 11:55

on this sort of area is maybe what were some of the hardest challenges that you faced maybe as a director , but also maybe just in dance in general that you felt like you've grown from .

Kan 12:07

I think for me , I remember being on Modern . There was a lot of times where I kind of lost belief in myself , because I feel like the people we got to dance with they were amazing dancers , choreographers , like brilliant minds , and there was a lot of times where I was like I felt like I was maybe not just there , but like I wasn't carrying my weight , and so I think every dancer experiences this , and so mine just happened to be while we were on Modern together and , yeah , I just remember being like dang . This is like so hard , I don't know what to do . I feel like I've hit a wall , and I actually felt like this recently as well . So it's like not a one-time thing , yeah and happen again yeah , yeah .

Kan 12:54

And so I think I think , just remembering that that's part of the experience , that it's natural , like to hit a wall , to feel like you stop growing to . You know , maybe just you feel like you aren't as far as you want to be , and I feel like from that experience , I really learned that comparing yourself is extremely unhealthy , because everyone is on like a different journey and everyone has a different experience and everyone has different strengths and weaknesses , and so I try to tell myself , like you know , if I'm not as strong in some areas , you know I can make up for it in other areas , or it's just something I have to work harder towards .

Kan 13:35

Yeah but those times were tough , that's for sure .

J.R. 13:37

Yeah , I was , and again , this is on Alex's episode too , but it's like we were talking about how joining as a newbie first year especially on modern and everyone is so talented it makes you feel like crap because you're like man , I am like imposter syndrome , like what am I doing here ? So it's kind of a common experience , but I was like , but caveat , alex kristal was like the top of the bottom of the food chain , so he was the .

J.R. 14:03

He had pieces in the set and like people like us were like struggling I mean not you , your choreographer was great , but I was just like I'm only here because I can backflip , so so I just had to work hard , but it was inspiring because obviously being in those situations is the most growth opportunity .

Kan 14:18

So yeah , like I totally iterate what you said I just want to clarify he is correct that alex cristal from our class was like superstar already . We like joined the team and then he's like the only person being blocked , like center center , yeah , as a newbie for a piece that's not even his and that's like unheard of at the time . So , yeah , but also I'd like to clarify that jr was already also really good and he was the only newbie blocked in sean duong's first section of Closer . I remember , yeah , back center , yeah , my favorite spot .

J.R. 14:48

On stage is on stage . No no , no , it kind of sounds joking , but I'm actually serious . I do like back center , but it's just so funny that I was back center for that piece .

Kan 14:57

I love that piece . I remember we were doing staging and then JR got blocked .

J.R. 15:10

And we're on the side of our practice area and we're like , damn , that guy is so lucky dude , that piece is so good . I yeah , I was pretty grateful to be in that . All right , anything . Actually . Last thing on that , I guess what advice would you give someone I know we're mostly talking about dance and I know some of these things can translate into other areas I guess mindset and feeling like that but any last piece of advice you'd give for someone starting out who's , let's say , minus 15 years of you , right where you started , what pieces of advice would you give that person ?

Kan 15:34

I think for me nowadays , I feel like there are so many resources in dance , Like anything you want to learn , like you can go out and learn it , whereas I feel like in our time there was like very set , like there's boogie zone , there was like teams would have workshops , but that would kind of be like the extent of it . You're kind of at the mercy of what people are willing to offer at the time and the opportunity of like studio space and stuff like that .

Kan 15:59

But nowadays , like there are so many dance studios , there's so many dance teams , there are so many dance studios , there are so many dance teams , there are so many sessions , there's so many people willing to teach you .

Kan 16:08

And so I guess my advice for anyone who's like trying to start dancing now , or if maybe if I started dancing now is just whatever you find yourself interested in , even if it's a little bit , to just go out and learn it .

Kan 16:22

If it's an art form , like breaking , go to a session , find like a teacher , go to like whoever you know would be willing to teach you . If you want to learn choreography , there's classes that are like starter , very , very beginner level , like where you just learn how to groove and do like body awareness . Or if you're like crazy naturally talented , there's like industry level masterclasses , like everywhere , and so if you look , you will find it , and if you love it enough , you will make the time for it for sure . So , yeah , and also , it's okay if you're not sure as well . You know , I think some people feel like they have to be like 100% in all the time , but it's okay to go through ebbs and flows too . So it's a balance of really figuring out what you want so you can really have targeted practice or targeted like emphasis or intention , I think .

J.R. 17:20

Yeah , my last thoughts on that is just to edify Ken a little bit . But what I always admired about Ken is that he was the type of guy who was doing a lot of stuff he was interested in , but even , especially in dance , he was always the guy practicing on the sides but also trying out the different styles and really trying to get it , whereas other dancers you might see , not necessarily in modern but in other places , where they're kind of set in there what they're , and that's totally fine . But what I always looked up to you about was , like you're always the guy who was practicing on the sides , drilling different styles that were not your most your main , most comfortable style . And I think , like on alex's episode , we talked about that kind of our mindsets of okay , we got to work hard because we don't feel like we belong here , actually set us up for more success down the line , because now we're actually intentionally drilling and trying to reach that . But I really appreciate that , Like , your mindset really speaks volumes to that . Thank you All right , so let's pivot to the next topic .

J.R. 18:13

So this is a huge change . So this is the fun one anime games , fun stuff , et cetera

Anime & Videogame Recommendations

J.R. 18:18

. So we'll see where this goes . My first question is basically what are some of the biggest things that you're into these days ? So , as a nerd , I'm sure you can go for hours on this , but what are some of the biggest things you're into ?

Kan 18:28

Yeah , I would say . I guess , like targeted ones , I still love anime .

Kan 18:32

I've been watching anime since you had to like go on YouTube and watch it in three parts in 240p and you'd have to know the episode number or you try to find it online . I love playing video games . I think I wish that's one of the things I wish I had more time for . I feel like there's so many different experiences to have through video games and recently my girlfriend and I have been like really trying to travel and experience the world and different cultures and just different aspects of life . But I'm sure we're going to talk a lot about anime and video games right now .

J.R. 19:05

So yeah , I was going to ask . So , top of mind , what are some of your biggest anime recs and or video game recs ?

Kan 19:12

So the anime I always recommend to anyone who asks me , because I think it's so universal , is Haikyuu , and I think I thought about it and for a while now , and I actually I think the Haik haiku is my favorite anime of all time and I say that because , you know , when I started watching it , I didn't know anything about volleyball . I guess for anyone watching who hasn't heard of haiku , it's a anime that involves volleyball , but I would say it's not specifically about volleyball . Haiku is my favorite because it's really based on character development and how people relate to each other and really wanting to make yourself and the team better , and volleyball is just the vehicle in which it's carried out . So if you haven't watched it , I highly recommend it . I'm sure , like if you enjoy character development like , there's no way you won't like it . There's so many amazing moments in it and one of the things that I love about it is that there's no like bad guy . I guess there's no like evil . It's just different people , different perspectives , different teams , stuff like that . Yes , and so my favorite character is also not even on the main team and I think they're , I would say , actually my top two favorite characters are not even on the main team and I think they're , I would say , actually my top two favorite characters are not even on the main team , so I think that says a lot about the writing and how it's paced and everything that goes on .

Kan 20:32

In terms of video games , right now I'm playing final fantasy 7 , rebirth , which is a crazy game . It's so big , there's so much content in it and it reminds me of like when we were little and we would play like the original final fantasy 7 on the ps1 and there's like just so much content and I feel like it gives me that childlike wonder . So I would recommend that . And then the other game I would recommend is called stardew valley , which is like a cozy game . It involves like farming . It's my girlfriend's favorite game that I recommended to her . Which platform she's playing it on the switch , okay , but I also have it on the pc and honestly I would dip again if I needed to , but for sure , I think in terms of return value per dollar , I would say stardew has given me so , so , so much value sorry , what is it called stardew , stardew valley ?

Kan 21:21

yeah , stardew , how do you spell that star ? And then d e , w and then valley-E-W and then Valley .

J.R. 21:25

Okay , this is for me taking notes later on , cool yeah , haikyuu is definitely on the top of my list . It's what ? Five seasons , something like that , six seasons , I believe there's four seasons , and a movie .

J.R. 21:37

Okay , so I watched the movie , not having watched the anime . It was fantastic . I loved it , but I'm like I don't know what's going on . I don't know who these people are , but this is amazing . I love this . So it's at the top of my list , and I also have I have a haikyuu like outfit , like the jersey set , because we did it for a anime convention , a pasadena one , and so we did a K-pop set to it . So I my favorite number is 11 , so I'm the 11 dude . So I'm like I guess this is my favorite character . Now I don't know who this is . He's with the glasses , right , I think ? Is he the tall one ?

Kan 22:09

I don't remember the number , I think so Okay , because when I was , watching the movie I was like , oh , it's the one with the glasses , the tall guy . I think his name is White hair or something like that If he has Silver hair Goggles I think he's blonde . Oh , okay , never mind , I think , and his name is Tsukishima . He has literally the best moment in the anime in season three .

J.R. 22:29

Really , Okay , now I gotta .

Kan 22:31

Yeah , now I'm looking forward to season three .

J.R. 22:34

Yeah , yeah , I was okay . Sorry , those are good wrecks . I was gonna say well , you answered favorite anime , which was my next one , and then why you answered that do you ? Have any favorite genres , because I have some thoughts on that too . Yeah , I think can is actually the guy who I go to for anime wrecks , like before . I have a list just from can , so I'm going through those . But yeah , he's good hot takes or good takes yeah , for anyone watching , feel free to dm me I am more than happy to share that list .

Kan 23:00

That guy , yes 11 oh yes , yeah , he literally has the best moment . Oh man , now I gotta get to season three , okay . So favorite genre , I think , as I was growing up , I think the typical one was like the action ones , like naruto

"That Moment" and Elements of a Great Anime

Kan 23:13

, bleach , shonen , sort of yeah . But now I think I don't even say I would have a favorite genre anymore . I literally just anything that has like that moment I will watch , and so I came up with a couple examples . So the Tsukishima's moment in Haikyuu , season 3 , is definitely at the top of that list . I would say , in your name , for anyone who hasn't seen it , there's a scene in the middle of the . That's the movie . Right , the movie ? Yeah , I don't know . I in your name , for anyone who hasn't seen it , there's a scene in the middle of the movie .

J.R. 23:39

Right the movie yeah they're ?

Kan 23:41

I don't know , I guess if you haven't seen it , maybe skip forward , because I'll just spoil it right now spoilers .

Kan 23:47

It's hard to talk about it without saying it yeah there's a part where the music changes and these two characters supposedly write their names on each other's hands , and when the girl opens her hand , you expect to see the guy's name , but instead it says I love you . And so I feel like when I watched that in a theater I was like , damn , this is hitting real good . When rock lee takes off his weights in naruto , I feel like if you haven't watched anime and you watch that scene , you're in it for life . Yeah , that is so that moment . I think any anyone who has watched naruto remembers that moment . I think in my Hero in the second movie , the ending when they share one for all and the music just cuts out , or like the sound cuts out and it's just the music . Yeah , so anytime there is , if an anime has like that moment where there's so much impact , I will watch it for sure .

Kan 24:39

I just got chills from all those examples , because I know what he's talking about like oh shit , yeah so I think right now the one I would recommend that has a lot of moments like that is probably demon slayer , so they do a good job at like really highlighting those moments and like hitting you in the face with it .

Kan 24:54

Yes , the music . I think for me the most important aspect of those moments is the music . So if an anime has good music and I feel like it's very impactful , then I'll probably always give it a chance .

J.R. 25:07

Yeah , I like music , art style , but also character development , pacing , but like those moments For me . Obviously I'm biased , but in One Piece , the Zoro moments where he , like , takes all the pain .

Kan 25:19

Oh , yes , yes .

J.R. 25:20

And that's the one I evangelize people with . I'm like yo , you can't not like this character . He's such a boss and he's not even the main character . But yeah so many good moments like that and the line is so badass , I think .

Kan 25:32

They ask him what happened and he just says nothing , Nothing happened , yeah .

J.R. 25:40

Or nothing happened , yeah , or whatever that is in japanese I forgot . Yeah , okay , so maybe you answer this . But my next question is what do you think makes a good anime ? Oh , that's a really good question , just to before you start , like I think we're both on the same page in the sense of I really love animes that like impact me , like on an emotional level or like I get something from it , not necessarily okay . I like the animes that are like flashy and it's great .

J.R. 26:00

You know punch fighting , cool , that's awesome right , but the ones that really hit me the most and the ones that really resonate with me in some sense , like I feel like those ones make an impact on me the most .

Kan 26:10

So , yeah , sorry , just to throw it back over what makes a good anime I think I'll still go with music is like really important nowadays . I think that's one of the big things that separates anime from manga is you add music and that really , in my opinion , that really transforms the medium . Yeah , I feel like character development is a big one for me personally . I think if there's no growth , then it's kind of just spectacle , and I think for me , like substance is really important . Um , but I would say nowadays a lot of people are on the quality of the animation . I think that's just the natural evolution of what makes something popular right now , but honestly , I think part of it is if there is like purpose to it , I guess , if that makes sense could you clarify with what does purpose in an anime means ?

Kan 27:10

yeah , I think I guess I'll use haikyuu , since that's my favorite example , I think , in haikyuu . Obviously , I think it made volleyball very popular when it came out like a lot of my friends started playing volleyball after they watched Haikyuu . But to me , my interpretation of Haikyuu is that it encourages you to find something that you love , and I don't want to spoil it for you , but for Tsukishima that's like a big , important part of his development . It's finding something he enjoys , just to enjoy it , and so I feel like that's why Haikyuu has resonated with me , for One Piece it's . I mean , obviously , besides finding the One Piece , it's really about the Straw Hat crew . In my opinion , it's like people will join Luffy because he's so singular in his purpose and he will never forsake his friends , and so I think one piece teaches us about the importance of finding our people and like being ourself around them . And yeah , I'm trying to think of a different , another one . Are there any you that resonate with you that you think yeah ?

J.R. 28:16

I think I think on in addition to that purpose thing , because resonate with that , because I guess I interpret it in terms of characters too , which is , some people like the relatable characters who , like they keep messing up .

J.R. 28:29

For me personally , I think that's kind of annoying .

J.R. 28:31

The characters that I love are the characters that I want to aspire to be , like , right , whether it's someone like zoro , who has unwavering loyalty and discipline and dedication and would sacrifice everything for his friends or his family , or other characters like that where , oh , this is someone that I would look up to or someone who I aspire to be like , even if it's not real , even like the like Tanjiro , or even like a Deku right , those people who are maybe too Jesus-like and too caring and stuff like that .

J.R. 28:59

Even then , I still would rather watch something where I can aspire to be like that person rather than and again , it's just a personal opinion than an anime where it's like , oh , everyone's messed up and they're kind of annoying and they kind of keep doing all this other stuff . I , what really gets to me is when someone stands up for what they believe in , despite the whole world around them telling them something otherwise , and they're just like steadfast in their courage and in their beliefs and their principles . That's what really gets to me and so like . That's why those particular animes I really like .

Kan 29:28

But I think onto your point for me those animes have purpose because of that sort of element yeah , yeah I definitely agree with that and I think that's what makes anime such a amazing medium to consume is that there's so many different stories to tell and there's so many different like character types and tropes , and it's really easy to have a favorite character or someone you really identify with , even if it's like someone you don't like . Sometimes it reveals something about yourself or someone you want to become . Definitely I I agree with that .

J.R. 30:01

So the last thing , and I know you mentioned , you don't really have a genre you look forward to or look sorry , necessarily , I guess , biased towards right For me . I've been pondering this . But obviously the action genre is cool but I always find it hard to find a really good anime that does action , comedy and romance . But I was thinking about it that I think it's kind of impossible to have it obviously in equal parts because one will detract from the other , right , too much romance will take away from , like , the action or the comedy , and vice versa , if you have too much comedy in an action , romance or whatever .

J.R. 30:35

So usually , if usually an anime or manga will specialize in one , maybe it'll have two or parts of it . But when I find some of those that do all three very well , or at least in a good proportion , that make a lot of sense , for example dandanon , I feel like that has a very good balanced mix of that . One piece is mostly just action , comedy , no romance really , and , like my hero , a little bit of romance , a lot of action , obviously comedy here and there . You know what I mean . Or Sword Art , it's like action romance mostly right .

J.R. 31:04

So , I think I'm not saying there's an opinion , but I just like to think about that . When I consume a new anime , I'm like , okay , what parts of this does it have ? And maybe that speaks to why I like it a lot .

Kan 31:15

It's because maybe they just do and it's's so lovely , it's just purely action with a little bit of one romance , I guess yeah , but it's still really good so yeah , I think that's just a natural part of anime is like , usually the episodes are like 20 minutes and so it's kind of hard to fit everything every time . But now that you mention it , I think that's part of the reason why dan the don has been so popular popular or has such a big following , because it really does capture all three elements and it's hard to do that . Yeah , it's quite equal too .

J.R. 31:46

Yeah .

Kan 31:47

So I guess this is our recommendation for everyone who hasn't seen it ?

J.R. 31:49

Yeah , for sure . It's definitely my top five and it's only one season . Yeah , cool , all right . Any last thoughts on that before we switch topics .

Kan 31:58

Not really . I think . My opinion is that anyone can watch anime . It's just finding the one that you identify with the most . So if you haven't watched anything , I highly recommend you try to find something , because if you're not watching it just because it's animated , I feel like you're missing out on an insanely large genre of media .

J.R. 32:17

Yeah , and not to evangelize it even further . But I feel like , like , and maybe it's me preaching to the choir and maybe I'm just .

J.R. 32:24

I sound crazy , but like a lot of my life philosophies come from one piece or other animes right that really inspire me to be a better person . I feel like it should be the bible as a christian , but it's anime for me , like how I see people , how I see teamwork , how I see growing , how I see found family , empathy , compassion , chasing your dreams all this other stuff comes from a lot of anime , just like One Piece , and I feel like if that's a media that makes you aspire to be a better person , then why not Cool ? All right , let's switch then . So the last one is directorship

Directorship & Service to Others

J.R. 32:54

, service and life purpose . I know we kind of touched upon this a little bit already , but I would say my first question is were there any biggest or most pivotal moments or memorable stories that had the biggest impact on you in terms of this section , like directorship or service ?

Kan 33:09

I think there's one moment in particular . I guess that stands out to me , mainly because it was documented on video , but I remember remember in 2016 it was the second year I directed Kabukids HHI and we were circling up before their performance in the finals , I think and I just remember that the kids were like really expressing their like gratitude for this journey and I just remember that it was like such a not that the journey was easy , but like being a part of it . It felt very easy and like natural to me and I think something like that like hearing that it's it's all it's obviously like very validating , but for me , it's like seeing how happy they were and how grateful they were and how , just how much they really wanted it . I feel like it just really humbled me .

Kan 34:06

There's so many big things that we can be a part of that can change like a person's life , and I think not that that's the only pivotal moment , but it's just mainly stuff like that . That's the only pivotable moment , but it's just mainly stuff like that , like just knowing that something you did , like the small moment in time , can have a ripple effect that can last through the years . It was . It really gave me my sense of purpose and so I think , for that era of my life , I just know that that's why I was on this earth . I think , and yeah , I just I guess I just take this time to like express my gratitude to for everyone who was a part of that journey , even if , like , they were not on copy kids or if they were like on modern at the time , or legacy , and I just remember feeling seen at that time and , yeah , for everyone who who did HHI with me . Thank you If you're watching this or listening to this . It was truly like something that I will cherish forever and it definitely changed my life as well .

J.R. 35:09

And it's been like what ? Eight , nine years since then , so you still cherish it so clearly . Yes , how do you approach being of service , quote , unquote , and what does that look like and how can others implement that in their lives ?

Kan 35:22

I think for me , I guess , like my personal definition of being of service is , I guess , to do something for others where you like don't get a return , or you the intention is not to get something in return .

Kan 35:35

I guess , and I think being of service to me is very important to my identity , because I feel like growing up , a lot of people helped me of their own free will and charity . They did never , ever ask for anything in return . They were always so willing to help and I think that really shaped my view of the world . Where I could be like that too , you know , like when I was a kid , like I didn't drive , obviously , so for people to offer to take me to and from practice or workshops or intensives or anything like that , that is that's like a big ask . You know people , if they're willing to drive out of their way to pick you up and to drop you off , and you know they don't ask for anything in return , that really says a lot about their character and I think something as small as that really touched me and made me just want to exhibit that amount of service into the world .

Kan 36:40

Yeah , I think I try to find a lot of opportunities to , you know , do something good in my opinion , like . One of the things I'm a part of is Homey Made Meals , which is like this program where you can sign up to be like a chef or a driver and you either put together like some meals or care packages for the unhoused and or you volunteer to drive to all the locations of the chefs , pick them up and then drop them off . That's just like one of the things I really like to do and I just find a lot of satisfaction in it in that , you know , I believe I'm very lucky and I think it's I should like , if I have the ability to , I should give back . Yeah , yeah , I think that applies to the current organization . I'm part of culture shock .

Kan 37:25

We have three youth teams and it's kind of like full circle to see these kids like grow up , learn how to dance , learn what it means to be passionate about something , to learn new styles or art forms , or and to be passionate about something to learn new styles or art forms , and to be involved , to maybe come in and teach or help them in whatever they want to know , want to learn about . I think , for as long as I live , I want to be of service , to do something like that . Yeah , I think I guess my advice to people to apply that in their lives is just to find something that you enjoy and maybe volunteer to do something about it , like for me it's dance , but for you it could be anything . If you're passionate about basketball , you can like help , I don't know , like a youth league or something , or teach people or just introduce basketball to people's lives Like you never know the effects it could have , yeah .

J.R. 38:22

Two thoughts on that topic . One is it reminds me of this book be useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger . I think it came out a couple of years ago . Such a good book . I'll link it in my . I think I wrote a summary on it too .

J.R. 38:33

But I think the underscore , your point , which is like the purpose of life is really just to make life or the world around you better than you , you know , than you left it . And I think the selfish ask is maybe people are like okay , well , what's in it ? For me I would say that in my experience and what I've heard from other people is the reason why we get so . I don't want to generalize , but a lot of times our own sadness and depression or kind of those negative feelings stem from being so inwardly focused on us , comparing , like we talked about before and like our own inadequacies . But the literature says this and studies and whatnot is the best way to get out of that and to get into a positive headspace is to look outside of yourself , is to give back to other people , be of to other people . So I think if you're in that space where you do feel like you're missing something or you're longing for connection or something like that .

J.R. 39:29

The answer many times could just be help someone else out and that will , in turn , help you out . So it's kind of like a rising tide to lift ships . It's a win-winwin and stuff like that . So maybe that's the connection . If people are like , okay , well , sounds good . Yeah , of course , but I have my own problems to deal with , you know which is valid . But yeah , thank you , I like that a lot . So now

Finding Purpose

J.R. 39:49

, purpose in life . So we might have touched on this a little bit , but I guess , how do you define purpose in life , or how should people approach finding their purpose or discovering that ?

Kan 40:02

and then , what is your purpose , ken ? I feel like the easy or like simplified answer is really finding something that gives you fulfillment is like maybe the first step , because if you are able to do something where you feel like it's your purpose , then it will be very natural . But I think for sure you'll know if , I guess , if it's your purpose , if you feel like it completes you . So I think for a long time as a kid I felt like I was really in the right place at the right time and all these people came into my life and helped me become who I am . And when I chose to direct Kabakids and apply , I knew I wanted to do the same .

Kan 40:51

And I think if you are unsure what your purpose is , you should just go explore , find different things to do , find new hobbies or passions or social circles or whatever it takes , and naturally I think you will gravitate towards it . That's my belief . It could be different for you , but yeah , I wouldn't . I also wouldn't find put too much emphasis on I need to find my purpose in life . You know , I think for a lot of people it naturally comes to them , just just it , just at a different point in everyone's lives and so so the timing might be up in the air , out of your control yes , because you know , like kaba kids was like , if it was like almost 10 years ago , and for me now , like I wouldn't say I have anything that is like that type of purpose .

Kan 41:42

Now I feel like my purpose is more , like it's more personal . Now I really just want to experience the world with my girlfriend , tiff . We went to Japan at the end of last year and we were originally going to stay for 10 days and we extended it to 15 .

Kan 41:56

As you should , yes , it was definitely the best decision we made , because I know if we had stayed only 10 days , we'd be like that was not enough . But to get to that point I think , exploring the world with her and experiencing a new culture , a new like type of society , and everything like that it first of all , like it , rejuvenated us . Oh yeah , that's us . Yeah , that was us in Japan . We got to see the Gundam , we ate amazing food , we met amazing people . Oh my god , I think that's the best ice cream .

J.R. 42:29

No , for sure . I think I've had that before two years ago , so good .

Kan 42:33

Yeah , it's just us not worrying about anything except how to have a good time . And yeah , I think now we just want to experience that type of happiness you know , and so we've been trying different things , like we started picking up tennis and we still take dance classes together , watch new TV shows , new things like that . So , yeah , I'm sure we will find , or I will find , and she will find something that kind of fulfills another purpose .

J.R. 43:04

Yeah , I like that a lot . I feel like it's you know . The purpose doesn't have to be I'm going to find a cure for cancer right Right . Your purpose could be like I want to enjoy my life with the people I care about experience and basically make the most of my time and just feel happy and fulfilled , and I think that you know I wouldn't underscore being your best , happiest self as a way to improve the world as well , right ?

Kan 43:27

yeah , I think I'm also . Yeah , I agree with the opinion where it's hard to fill everyone else's cup if your cup is empty . So I think you have to take care of yourself first before trying to do something like super grand , right ?

J.R. 43:41

put on your mask first before , or learn how to swim before you try to save someone else .

Kan 43:46

Yes , yes , and a fun fact , I I'm not confident in my ability to swim .

J.R. 43:51

Actually , there you go , but you can put on like a like the mask and the airplane right like that drops down yes , yes , yes , yes , you're good .

Kan 43:58

thankfully , that metaphor works . We'll stick with that metaphor , especially if I'm planning on traveling .

J.R. 44:02

Exactly , especially if you're going to be flying more often .

Kan 44:09

But yeah , I would say , your purpose does not have to be something grand or anything you know it could be . You know , if you want to start like a little like a vendor booth for yourself and you want to sell something you create , I think you never know like you can inspire other people to do the same , and I think , round and round , that inspiration goes and I think that truly makes the world a better place .

J.R. 44:25

So if you find something that makes you happy and that does good for the world , then honestly , we could use a lot more of that there are people who just their purpose is to just be a kind person to anyone they interact with , whether it's on the street , doing errands , living their life and that is no less and no worse of a purpose than any other one .

J.R. 44:48

This person , you know , touched me in a way that , like , made me want to be a good person , so I think maybe that's the call to action . Yes , cool , all right ,

Rapid Fire Questions

J.R. 44:56

we are pretty much it for the main topics . You ready for rapid fire questions ? I hope so . This is the fun part .

Kan 45:02

This is the fun part all right .

J.R. 45:03

First one , and you already know it's coming , so billboard question . If you could put up a sign for millions of people to see , what would it say ?

Kan 45:11

everyone sits up because of june to be honest , I've thought about this like a lot and it's hard for me to come up actually with something because it changes . But oh , yours is a changing billboard .

J.R. 45:24

You drive like a couple meters and it's like changes .

Kan 45:27

Yeah , hopefully we have a higher budget for this one , but the one that I guess , like the common sentiment they all have , is really just to do good , and that means different things to different people . Good , and that means different things to different people . But I think if everyone in the world just maybe was more conscious of making the world a better place for other people , I think that would make our society better . So maybe something like that , and then maybe like in the subtext watch haikyuu or something . There you go .

J.R. 45:59

I was waiting for it . Yeah , what is one of the hardest ?

Kan 46:05

challenges you faced in your life and what did you learn from it ? Oh for sure , I think one of the biggest and hardest challenges I've faced in my life was feeling like I'm behind everyone else . There was a period of my life where I wasn't sure , like , what I wanted to do , and so I kind of like set schooling back , and so I graduated a lot later than my peers and stuff . But I think it all worked out and I think that journey taught me that everyone runs the race at their own pace and it's not actually a race . We're all in it together .

Kan 46:37

And yeah , I remember at the time that I was like dang , like my friends are like getting married , they're settling down , starting families , getting a house , and I'm like trying to study for this final . Hey , it's tough out here , man . Yeah , it is tough out here , but it was okay , it all worked out . You know , I was able to graduate , thankfully , and and I found a career path that I enjoy and so , yeah , we're still figuring it out , just like everyone else is , but it's all good .

J.R. 47:06

Yeah , this might be the same , might be different , but self-inflicted wound . You have a story about something that's gone wrong in your life and it's your own fault . You can't blame anyone else .

Kan 47:14

Yeah , I would say one of my biggest self-inflicted wounds is that I'm highly critical of myself . I think , in some ways , I can be like a perfectionist and I like to be in control of the outcome a lot , and so that is definitely not like a healthy mindset to have on yourself especially , and so sometimes I overthink about what I say , how I act , what I do , and so , yeah , I definitely have gotten to situations where , like , I'm overthinking it for a day , a month and it's like it can be something so small , like I'm one of those people that's like man should .

Kan 47:53

I have said that and it's like something , not even like a big deal . It's like should I have asked about this or checked up on this person or whatever . But really I just need to learn that being myself is okay and if it's not okay then I will eventually fix it .

J.R. 48:11

I guess it's like the sentiment if you could give your younger self advice , what would it be now ?

Kan 48:18

I think one of the things that I could have been better at is being more intentional and having more focus . I think maybe I was a little too go with the flow , maybe or maybe I trusted that the universe would work out a little too much , and maybe I could be maybe in a better spot in some ways if I had just been like like leaned in that direction a little bit yeah , or buckle down and really like this is important , take care of this early so you don't have to worry about it later .

Kan 48:47

But instead I like took care of it later and now I have to worry about it now , which is kind of unfortunate , but that's just life . That's just how life goes . You know , hindsight is 2020 . If we could see the then , that would be like the ultimate superpower , we'd all be rich .

J.R. 49:00

Yes , and then no one would be rich . In the last few years , what new belief , behavior or habit has improved your life ?

Kan 49:06

What new ?

J.R. 49:08

If anything .

Kan 49:09

There's definitely some . I think I've been more conscious of being physically active , especially , I think , as you get older , it's really important to stretch . Drink water especially , I think , as you get older , it's really important to you know , stretch or drink water , water sleep , yeah sleep is a really big one .

Kan 49:26

I think when you're younger you're like you know I it's like one of those things where , like you , there's like three things and you can only choose two of them . And I say most people our age sacrifice sleep , which is very unhealthy in hindsight , but you know we're trying our best here . So sleep more , be physically active and , yeah , maybe try to save money earlier , because compound interest is like a big thing .

J.R. 49:50

Oh it is what is it like ? The most powerful force in the universe or something like that , something like ?

Kan 49:54

that behind love ?

J.R. 49:55

I don't know on the topic of sleep , like one of the hell weeks for Kabo Modern , I stayed up for literally three days like almost 72 hours . I'm pretty sure my lifespan shortened after that . It was seriously like modern practice class in the morning , worked at Jamba Juice , went straight back to practice class in the morning , worked at Jamba Juice practice again , and Ken was like by the third day he's straight back to practice class in the morning , worked at jamba juice practice again , and ken was like by the third day . He's like have you slept ? I'm like no , I have not slept , I'm running on energy drinks .

Kan 50:24

Yeah , it's actually funny . You mentioned that because I vividly remember that conversation and that experience where I remember , because you worked at jamba juice , you would make yourself like an extra large smoothie with the caffeine boost . Yeah , yeah , yeah , yeah , and I think at the time our favorite drink was the peanut butter mousse .

J.R. 50:41

Yes , so good and so yeah , in hindsight that- . Not healthy . Yeah , not the best idea . I might die before you can , just because of that week , Because of my three-day no sleeping . Yeah , that was a crazy time .

Kan 50:53

I guess , for people who weren't a part of that time , I think it's really good that you don't have to be a part of that time . And for everyone who was a part of that time , I honestly can't believe we did that and we're still here , cherish the memory , Cherish the memory .

J.R. 51:08

Yeah , all right .

Definition of "Success"

J.R. 51:12

Who would ?

Kan 51:12

you call successful and how do you define success ? Oh , that is a good question . I think a long time ago I would call the stereotypical financially secure , has their own home , is whatever successful . But I think nowadays those are all important . Don't get me wrong , it's expensive to live , for sure , but I would say the people I consider the most successful right now are the people who are most happy with their life , because life is hard , you know , it's really hard . There's no like guidebook . If you do these things like your life is set , it's different for every person . Everyone starts out in a different situation , everyone has different desires . And people who really carve out their life the way they want to , in a way that everyone has different desires , and people who really carve out their life the way they want to , in a way that they're happy . I respect a lot . It doesn't have to be like traditional , you know , but yeah , like a lot of my friends who took a lot of risks to pursue the path they're on .

Kan 52:16

They are like the happiest people in the world , and I think that's something everyone wants to be happy , and so , more than financial , more than prestigious happiness , for me is what defines someone's success .

J.R. 52:32

I love that Happiness is the new currency . Yes , All right , this is a new end of season three question . But the normal question is if you knew you couldn't fail , what would you try ? But this question is if you knew you would fail , what would you be doing anyway ?

Kan 52:46

If I knew I would fail what would I be doing anyway ?

J.R. 52:50

I guarantee you will fail . But what ?

Kan 52:51

would you still ? Do I think I would still dance . Actually , I don't know what failure in dance would embody , I guess , but I feel like , like I said earlier , like dance was such a big part of my life and , oh my god , I was considering choosing this video too what year is this ? This is 2012 . Oh , my god there you go .

J.R. 53:18

That's the Ken , I know in 360p this is what it feels like , I guess .

Kan 53:19

That's the Ken I know In 360p . This is what it feels like , I guess , for people to pull up your old videos . Huh , this is a case of your own medicine . Yeah , I think I would still dance and I guess in a way I am . To a younger Ken . I am like failing . I guess I don't consider myself like a crazy , amazing , superstar , famous dancer or anything , but I think I'm happy with the dance experiences I've had , especially recently . The people I get to dance with are all amazing . The experiences I've had funnily enough I forgot to mention earlier , but I got to compete at Vibe this year- with some friends from China , so that was kind of funny .

Kan 54:02

Representing a team from China , you're officially Chinese . I am actually .

J.R. 54:06

That's right , you're right , yeah , yeah , yeah , I totally forgot .

Kan 54:08

That was pretty cool and we managed to place at Vibe this year , which is a completely new experience to me . Congrats man .

J.R. 54:21

So this is what placing feels like . Yes , yes , not with modern , not what anyone knows ?

Kan 54:22

yes , but a team from china , yeah , and it was an amazing experience and so I guess , even though , like I never got to travel the world with dance , you know , it kind of worked out that dance in a way traveled to me . I didn't travel to dance , dance me , yeah , so that was a really fun experience . Maybe we could talk about it another time probably . But yeah , I would still dance , knowing I would fail still .

J.R. 54:46

I like it All right . What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made in either time , money , energy , etc .

Kan 54:53

I think one of the best investments I've made in terms of my time is to make time to connect with people , whether that's to hang out , catch up , like at lunch or dinner or go watch their show or something like that , because everyone has like a different passion and when you make the time to go out and watch them showcase their talent or passion , it's just really nice and it's fulfilling in terms of the humanity aspect of life , and so I think , if I'm able to , I will always try to make the time to show up for people , whether that's like a birthday like a baby shower , wedding , like whatever it is .

Kan 55:34

I feel like life is short and fleeting , and so we should take advantage of the time we have with other people because , ultimately , life is like a social experience Unless like , maybe , like you're a billionaire and then you buy an island and live on your own .

J.R. 55:49

There you go .

J.R. 55:50

I like that and to underscore that Ken is really a guy who shows up for people , which I really admire and respect about him . So , yeah , he's practicing what he preaches , so I appreciate that . Last two respect about him . So , yeah , he's practicing what he preaches , so I appreciate that . Last two favorite recent purchase in the 50 to 100

Favorite Recent Purchase & Media Recs

J.R. 56:03

range that has impacted your life the most in the last six months I actually bought a kindle in the last year , but it doesn't have to be kindle , it could be any type of e-reader .

Kan 56:12

I would recommend getting one , because after buying one , I noticed that it was easier to just get started on reading . Whether that's like manga or a book . Yeah , they go on sale quite often , so I would recommend one . And what's the range ? The one the kindle I got was I think it was like a referred , it was like a refurbished sale , so I actually got it for a hundred dollars okay so that's like a pretty good deal uh , in my opinion it was a good deal .

Kan 56:39

I know it's a hundred dollars for , like an e-reader can be considered expensive because 100 , like life , is expensive , but I know there's a lot cheaper ones , probably a 50 or less range .

J.R. 56:49

And it's nice carrying all your books with you in a small tablet nice , I think you're like the second or third person to say kindle , so I think maybe if I get one or two more recommendations I'll buy one , but I do . Audio books obviously , yeah , but I like it all right . Last one favorite books , movies , videos , articles , media or anything that you recommend or share the most , besides haikyuu and any anime we mentioned okay .

Kan 57:10

So for a book , I would recommend atomic habits . That's a book I've read two or three times . I try to reread it every time I feel like I'm in a ruts or I'm feeling lazy , because it definitely gets me motivated again . In terms of movie , I would recommend your name , which is like the anime movie yes , your name , my name which is an anime movie we talked about earlier in the podcast and I think it really showcases the power of anime as a medium . It released in theaters and a lot of people went out to watch it and said it was amazing .

J.R. 57:40

The soundtrack is great .

Kan 57:41

Yes , the soundtrack was made by Radwimps , who I had the privilege of seeing in concert live when they came here with TIFF , and so their Japanese group yes , Okay sorry so they did the whole soundtrack Game . I would recommend Stardew Valley . What else movie I did anime ?

J.R. 57:59

I did any media that you recommend or share .

Kan 58:04

I think , tv show . My girlfriend and I are watching the Pits . If you work in healthcare , I think it's very relevant to you . It's like a medical drama and each episode is like one hour of a shift and so it's pretty good . What about my platform ? I think it's on max right now , I believe yeah , cool , nice thanks , man .

J.R. 58:25

Thanks for recapping that so I can take notes later on . All

Ending Questions: Gratitude & Final Takeaways

J.R. 58:28

right , we are at the ending question , so gratitude shout out to my mom for teaching me this . Ken , what are you grateful for ?

Kan 58:34

I guess the first thing is I'm grateful for everyone who has been a part of my journey . Whether you feel like it's in big or small amounts , everyone who's came into my life has affected who I am today . More recent gratitudes I'm very grateful to Homies , which is the team from China that I got to perform at Vibe with or compete at Vibe with . I'm grateful to my Culture Shock family for making me feel seen and still welcoming me back this year and allowing me to be myself and to have an outlet to dance . I'm grateful for Tiff , my girlfriend , who is an amazing partner and I honestly would not be able to do anything I do now without her , and she has been like my rock and foundation , my support , and she really believes in me way more than I believe in myself , and so to have someone like that in your life is honestly such a blessing .

Kan 59:27

Yeah , I'm grateful I could honestly go on and on Kava to who like really shaped me as a dancer in my early years , for bringing me and JR together , for bringing a lot of my friends together to this day . So , lizzy , if you're somehow watching this like you really changed the trajectory of my life by introducing that community of dance to me . I know I probably tell you a lot , but I'll never stop expressing how grateful I am that , because of you , like , all these doors open for me and it's crazy full circle , because Lizzie was on culture shock and so for me to join it now or to be on it now , it's like a truly like full circle moment . And so , yeah , friends , family , everyone thank you so much for being a part of my life . To JR , thank you so much for having me . It means a lot that you asked me to be on this podcast . And , yeah , thank you to everyone watching , taking your time out of your day to listen or watch to hear what I have to say . I'm very grateful .

J.R. 1:00:29

Thank you . You made it this far . You got your kudos All right . Final ask from the audience and or final takeaways you'd like them to have from this conversation I think maybe one thing that wasn't mentioned enough was like it's okay to ask for help .

Kan 1:00:46

I don't think anyone goes through life on their own power . I think it really takes a village . So I think everyone out there has some type of support system , and if you unfortunately do not , then out there has some type of support system , and if you unfortunately do not , then finding one will make just life so much better , I think , because I cannot imagine living my life without the support I've had . So yeah , I hope you have a good day watching whoever is watching this or listening to this , and yeah , if you haven't watched anime , watch . Watch Haikyuu .

J.R. 1:01:18

Yes , definitely All right , Ken . So last thing is where can we find you ? If people want to check out what you're up to or connect or anything like that ? Where can ?

Kan 1:01:25

they find you Just probably my Instagram is probably the easiest it's K-A-N-D-A-A-N-G . Feel free , if you have any questions or comments or anything , to DM me . I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can . And , yeah , make sure you like and subscribe to 1000 Gurus . Thank , you .

J.R. 1:01:43

Yes , I never call to action , so I appreciate that . Yeah , if you have any thoughts , recommendations or even referrals or people you feel would be good on the show , feel free to comment anywhere on any of our posts . I'll see it for sure . If you want to give Ken a shout out , he's tagged in everything , so feel free to glaze him a little bit Cool . All right , ken , we've reached the end . Thank you so much for this talk . I really appreciate it . My gratitude goes out to you . I learned a lot and I think the audience has taken away a lot from this . So I appreciate you . And , for my final sign off , thank you guys for being here . I really appreciate it . Reminder to always be kind to other people , especially yourself . Reminder that you can always learn something from someone if you take the time to listen . So thanks for being here .