I was destined to own a Z
 

A short story...

Years ago, I was a talent agent for actors here in L.A.

One of my favorite clients was a man named Dale Ishimoto.
He was a fine actor and, an even better man.

Back in the 1990's, late in his career, I got him in on a nation wide search for an actor to play Mr. K...he got the gig and a recurring role that paid him many thousands of $$$, many ads, had him doing personal appearances all over the world...all 1st class, of course.

I remember how happy he was and, how happy it made me to see him enjoy this role and the fame and fortune it brought him and his family.

Years later, after he passed away, his wife thanked me for helping him get the job and let me know how much he enjoyed it.

That was over 20 yrs ago.

Well, I found this in an old box today (my ex-wife broke it and did a crappy fix-it job!)...Enjoy the Ride friends.

Found a couple of pics of Dale as Mr. K

Those were some great commercials. I like the Pathfinder & old Z commercials with Van Halen & Kiss music.

Memories!

dishimoto? sounds like yet another faux j-brand..

dishimoto?...huh?

His name was Dale Ishimoto.

was his brother Mike Ishimoto?

Cousin is Takaharu Ishimoto

another pic
 

Here's Dale with the real Mr. K

I don't believe so.

A little more about Dale.

Even though he was an American, born in Delta Co., he and his family were rounded up an sent to an internment camp.

After being sent to the Gila River internment camp in Arizona, Dale volunteered to fight in World War II, joining the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

After two years, he was awarded a Purple Heart and given a medical discharge.

I had the utmost respect for Mr. Ishimoto, especially knowing what he and his family had to endure yet, he still volunteered to join the military and fight in WWII!

Very cool story. Thanks for sharing :)

Ken was just trying to make a joke about the crappy faux-JDM company Mishimoto. Although many people know them better as miSHITmoto :ugh:

Did you have anything to do with the Shift ad campaign that filmed all the Nissan trucks on the El Mirage lakebed in 2002? I had my truck in that commercial. Out there for 12 hours in 105 degree heat for about 2-3 seconds of footage that was actually used in the ads....lol

Made $400 that day though...would have done it for free.

:icon18:

Thank you for the explanation

Nope, I was out of the agent biz by 2001.

Guess u don't do much shopping

RumbleFish, Mahalo for sharing info in regards to the 442 Regimental Combat Team. Being the most decorated unit for it's size in the US military history, it was a very expensive endeavor in lives & health for these young men.

I have directly benefitted, and am very thankful for their extreme courage, selflessness, wisdom & humility. My father & uncle was part of this campaign even though another uncle was placed in an internment camp. They never complained, protested, felt sorry for themselves or asked the US to be reimbursed for their homes, possessions and businesses that was taken during this period.

In fact they were just grateful that over 60 years after the war, the US formally apologized to these interned Americans. And at this time, the US did offer $10,000 to the interned Americans, unfortunately many have already passed away and of the remaining, a good portion of them have not even attempted to collect.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/442nd_...(United_States)