Interview with Yasushi Asaya
Yasushi Asaya is a stunt performer, fight coordinator and action film designer. You will have seen his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which is coming out very soon, you will also have seen his work on The Wolverine, The Invisible Man, Mortal Kombat, Alien: Covenant and so much more.
Images Courtesy of Yasushi Asaya
He is a member of the Team YAS Action Design Team, which is based in Melbourne. Team YAS, as an action design team helps productions. They help with conceptualisation of ideas, help with pre-visuals, provide stunt performers and much more. Creating stunts or action sequences for films helps expand storytelling and makes films more exciting. Having an action design team really helps, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with action, stunts or martial arts, because of the action design team have expertise, they know what looks good, what is doable and knowledge of health and safety, because stunts is no joke.
Describe yourself in three fictional characters.
Oh, I never thought that…
Maybe a big dream chasing a guy with passion and a great team.
What’s the best part about working in film?
I love meeting many creative people and working together. That is like making magic to me.
You have a background in Wushu, what drew you to the martial art?
I was born in Japan and grew up there and loved watching action films and manga, so it was very natural to me to start liking martial arts when I was younger.
You studied Wushu under Tang Lai-Wei, how was your experience and what were the biggest lessons you learned from him?
Images Courtesy of Yasushi Asaya
I was really lucky to study Wushu from the best. And the great part is I am still working with a Master's and keep learning. Martial Arts is not only about fighting for me, it is about how we live together and never stop learning.
What was your first introduction to stunts and what was your first impression?
My first stunt on film was an HBO show called The Pacific. I was a special skilled background extra. Production brought few Japanese stunt performers from Japan, but not enough people to fill in the screen. So they started asking me to do stunts with them. I was so excited to be a part of the stunt team and challenging my ability to do what they want.
Did you undergo specific training to prepare for getting into stunts?
I was a breakdancer before I became a stunt performer. For me it is not so hard to transition to the stunt industry.
How did you find your footing in the stunt industry and what would your advice be, to those who are finding their footing?
Images Courtesy of Yasushi Asaya
Since I was a kid, I always loved action films and I was a really active kid. That gave me a passion and will power when I was going through hard times.
So I would say, please remember the day when you decide to become a stunt performer and follow your passion.
What are your favourite types of stunts to do?
I like Asian styles of fighting and wireworks and playing with creative ideas.
What is the most challenging stunt you’ve ever done?
It's always challenging. Sometimes small stunts become very technical and needed skills and team support.
Images Courtesy of Yasushi Asaya
You’ve won stunt awards, such as the Taurus World Stunt Award for Best Speciality Stunt and SAG Outstanding Action Performance for Stunt Ensemble, how did it feel to win those awards?
I could not believe that I made that far. really feels like I am dreaming.
I really appreciate all the support from the stunt team. Can not get any of that without a team.
How did you get your start as a fight coordinator?
I used training and filming with my friends in my backyard. I was just a kid who loved action films and trying to make something in my backyard. haha
So, I don't remember when I started.
How do you prepare for a project, as a fight coordinator?
My 1st priority is storytelling. I always think about how we can tell a better story. How we can develop characters through the fight action.
Can you tell us about the Team YAS Action Design Team? How did the Team YAS come about?
Yes, it came from my backyard. haha And we are still training, eating, and drinking together. For me this team is my family.
What’s the best part of working on Team YAS?
Images Courtesy of Yasushi Asaya
Because we are always training together. We can understand what is going on here without talking and explaining. We can share the same pictures in our head.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
We are building our own studio in Melbourne Australia. Hopefully we can keep you excited.
Speed Round. Pick one film for each category.
What is your favourite childhood film?
Project A, Dragons Forever, Millionaire Express, Zatou Ichi,,,, so many! haha
What was the last film you watched?
FF9. I love crazy car action ideas!!!
What film are you looking forward to watching in 2021?
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
What’s your current favourite film?
There are so many films out in cinema and TV every year. I can not decide on only one, but I really respect all film makers and creators!!!
Which cinematic universe would you like to live in? (e.g. The Grand Budapest Hotel, X-Men, MCU)
I want to live in all of that. like universe traveller!!! haha
Images Courtesy of Yasushi Asaya