Aya Sumika Website - Aya Sumika Numb3rs - Liz Warner Blog

Aya's back for 4 more NUMB3RS episodes!!

2006-11-17T04:50:00.000-12:00

www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061112/LIFE/611120311/1076
Posted: Sunday, November 12, 2006 (Island Life)
Michael Tsai: mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com

AYA'S NUMBER CALLED:
If for nothing else, NBC's short-lived cop drama "Hawaii" may yet be remembered as Aya Sumika's first major acting role.

The Seattle native performed admirably on the Honolulu-based show, despite a very limited character and spotty overall writing.

Sumika resurfaced last month as Special Agent Liz Warner in two episodes of the CBS series "Numb3rs."

She must be doing something right. As Sumika recently told local publicist Mona Wood, the show has brought her back for four additional episodes.

PROBLEMS VIEWING THIS BLOG?

2006-11-01T10:28:00.000-12:00

If your using 'Firefox' to view this blog, please clear out all your cookies & cache. Then refresh the page.

'Internet Explorer' is easier to use for my blog site (I know, its stupid.. you'd think that blogger would be ahead of the game by now, considering they just released a newer version of blogger called: beta blogger)

** MY BLOG IS UPDATED FREQUENTLY SO IF YOU SEE MY BLOG DATING FROM OCT 2006. PLEASE CLEAR ALL COOKIES & CACHE, THEN REFRESH THE PAGE.**

-Jax
aya.sumika.fan@gmail.com

Aya stars in Horror Film 'Bloodline'

2006-11-01T09:28:00.000-12:00

Bloodline (2004) Synopsis:
The psychological thriller Bloodline concerns two brothers whose youth was marred by a tragic accident have grown up protecting each other, in accordance with their mother's wishes. But when Henry and Travis go on a camping trip, Henry is no longer able to contain the torment he's held inside, and a weekend getaway turns into a horrific murder scene. Now Travis must live with the aftermath, while Henry hides out with a recluse whose intentions may or may not be what he claims.

Aya plays Lori. Travis's girlfriend in the horror flick.
(I'll try to post up pictures, ASAP. Let me rent the film first:)

Sumika in "Pieces of Ass" Monologue

2006-11-01T09:15:00.000-12:00

"Pieces of Ass 2005" Broadway showcase featuring Brooke Burke.
(Sumika's on the far Right, in the underwear)

In LA 2005, Thesp-singer Diahnna Nicole Baxter and Juilliard graduate Aya Sumika turn in the two most poetic outpourings. Baxter offers an ethereal, raplike history lesson on the white male's "obsession with colored pussy," summing up her discourse by gleaming provocatively at the row of gentleman occupying the front-row seats, affirming that it is now socially "acceptable to dip your finger in the chocolate."

For Sumika's bit, she glides sensually about the stage as she offers her ode to the morning hours, declaring that a woman is most beautiful when she is completely off-guard and natural. But as she sadly points out, this natural youthful glow will fade and all women will have to endure their greatest enemy, time. Then Sumika catches herself and apologizes for the brief lapse and an interview interrupted a few days earlier.
"I think you asked me when I thought a woman is most beautiful," she recalls.
"Here's what I call my ode to the morning hours."
She whispers: "A woman is most beautiful when she is completely off guard and natural." Then pragmatism kicks in.
"But that natural, youthful glow will fade, and all women will have to endure their greatest enemy, time," she says.

TV Lacks Racial Diversity: TV Debate

2006-11-01T09:10:00.000-12:00

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Jul/05/ln/ln03a.html
Hawaii TV lacks state's racial diversity
Monday July 5. 2004

Lack of local talentProducers and casting directors say they'd love to cast more local talent but the pool of qualified actors and extras just isn't big enough to meet the demand.
"Hawaii," which premieres Aug. 30, is an ensemble cop drama set in Honolulu with at least three Asian American and Pacific islander actors in its core cast. "Lost" is a survival drama shot in various remote locations on O'ahu but not actually set in Hawai'i. It includes two Asian Americans in its cast.

Casting decisions
By all accounts, "Hawaii" is pushing to properly reflect the state's diverse population in its casting decisions. The core cast includes veteran actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Aya Sumika, and Peter Navy Tuiasosopo.
Sumika, who was raised in Washington and has family in Maui, plays police officer Linh Tamiya
"She's a very tough, very strong woman surrounded by men & she has goals. She wants to be a detective." Sumika said of her character
Producers intend to show a decidedly grittier side of Honolulu than has any show previously shot here.
"There's a responsibility we have to be true and respectful to what Hawai'i really is. For me, it's an honor to be an Asian American representing the people of Hawaii". says Sumika.
Sumika, who is half-Japanese, and half-Caucasian, said finding work as an Asian actress is difficult but not impossible.
"There are a lot less roles for Asian Americans but people make it through with hard work and focus. There is a shortage of good, qualified Asian American actors, but this can be good and bad. It's not like trying out for a role in L.A. that calls for blonde hair and blue eyes."
Sumika's role on the show did not come with a ethnic designation when she read for it.
"A lot of roles are being written now without specifying race. They go with the person who can come in and blow them away. The success of one or more of the Hawai'i-based shows will mean only good things for local actors in the long run. It's our time to have a voice," she said.
"I hope that more Asian Americans will get the opportunity to work and get jobs. I need the support of my people around me."

Honolulu Advertiser Interview 2004

2006-11-01T09:01:00.000-12:00

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Sep/12/il/il01a.html
Trials & Tribulations of 'Acting Local'
Sunday September 12. 2004
By Michael Tsai

Of the four network television series filming on O'ahu this season, none has placed itself in a more precarious position with its adopted community than NBC's audaciously titled "Hawaii."
Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, Aya Sumika and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, all Hollywood actors of Asian or Pacific-island ancestry, play the roles of locals on the NBC cop drama "Hawaii." Each sees his or her role as representing a facet of what Hawai'i is really about.

(There was somewhat of a controversial notation for these Hawaii based TV shows becuase there weren't enough Asian Americans being represented on TV. There were 4 TV series shooting in O'ahu but none of the assigned actors weren't actual Hawaii natives/locals)

"When you call yourself 'Hawaii,' you'd better be prepared to step up and represent all that the name stands for," says Tagawa, who plays Capt. Terry Harada on the show. "If not, you need to pack up and go home."As far as Tagawa is concerned, that goes triple for the so-called Dynamic Trio."This ain't L.A.," Tagawa said. "We have a great cast, and I enjoy working with all of them, but without our characters — Aya, Pete and myself — this show could be set in any city. I think our presence gives the show some balance and some credibility with locals.
While Tagawa, Sumika and Tuiasosopo were all born and raised primarily on the Mainland, their Asian and Pacific-islander backgrounds mark them as the most identifiably "local" characters. That makes them focal points for viewers sensitive to how race and culture are portrayed.

For Sumika, every good risk deserves a reward.By her accounting, "Hawaii" producers took a big chance by casting her to be the lone woman in the show's core cast — her first significant acting role ever.
She says "NBC also took a risk casting three Asian and Pacific-islander actors as regulars in a prime-time series. When was the last time you saw this much diversity on network television?NBC has taken a big risk, but it's a good risk. This will be something new for viewers, and I think they'll like what they see."
Raised in Seattle, the half-Japanese, half-Caucasian Sumika said she grew up highly aware of the differences between herself and her Caucasian peers.
"Growing up, everyone is always asking you, 'Where are you from? Where did you get those eyes? What planet are you from?' I was conscious of it every day."
Rather than retreat, Sumika said, she found strength in her self-consciousness. Asked what sort of ethnic or cultural description she now prefers, Sumika responds simply: "Different."
"I feel different & it feels good to feel different. Being different is something new to network TV and it's interesting to viewers. I think being the only female puts me into character. Linh is a strong woman surrounded by men in the workplace, and so am I off screen. It can be an intense environment with all those guys around, but it's fun, and I enjoy the challenge."

Still, Sumika takes female camaraderie where she can find it.
"We've had a few female guest stars, and when they come, I'm like, 'aloha, welcome' and beyond. It's like, I'm a woman, you're a woman. Thank God for estrogen!"
In the wave of negative reviews that followed the airing of the show's pilot episode, one of Sumika's scenes was singled out by minority watchdog groups for what was perceived as a stereotypical sexualization of an Asian female character. The scene involved Linh's fellow officers trying to find Detective John Dec-lan (Atkins), concerned that he might have been attacked by a local crime lord. They break into his bathroom only to find Declan and Linh (who was already involved with Ivan Sergei's character) naked in the tub.
Sumika says she had concerns about the scene, but went through with it because of the way her character was allowed to handle the situation.
"The No. 1 priority for me was that she was able to walk away with strength. This was one of the worst moments of her life, to be caught in that situation by people whose respect she's had to fight so hard to earn, and yet she was able to walk out with her head up. The scene wasn't about sex but the conflict that situation created between the characters. Conflict is fun to watch."

Still, Sumika understands people's sensitivity to the scene.
"I think people are quick to judge sometimes, and you really can't judge a character by one scene. At the same time, I think people were just being protective of Linh. I think they're supportive of her and what she represents."

Hawaii Press Conference in LA 2004

2006-11-01T08:59:00.000-12:00

Sumika, who was trained as a ballet dancer at the Juilliard School, said landing the role is her big break in television. She was one of hundreds of actors auditioning for the part.
"We did a chemistry read," Eastin said. "
Sharif was cast first, and Aya came in, and it was great because it was just the two of them in the room.
"They were really shockingly, amazingly good together. The second she walked out of the room ... everybody looked at everybody and just said, 'She's the one.' There really wasn't any concern she hadn't done anything before. We were actually kind of excited about that."

BALFOUR, SERGEI and Sumika rode along with HPD officers to train for their roles. Sumika's mentor was "a woman named Jack."
"We were in Kalihi. ... She was the only woman in the sector that I visited, and she was one of the only women who graduated in her class, so it was so helpful. The day-to-day process that a cop goes through is ... similar to acting in the sense they have to react in the moment professionally to anything and everything that comes at them."

Star Bulletin Interview 2004

2006-11-01T08:42:00.000-12:00

http://starbulletin.com/2004/09/27/features/story1.html
Hawaii’ star proves she can hold her own
Monday September 27. 2004
By: Tim Ryan

Aya Sumika seems to glide across the floor of the cluttered Mapunapuna warehouse where NBC has created the Honolulu Municipal Police precinct for its cop drama "Hawaii."
She hops onto a high chair with her name painted on its back. The Juilliard graduate -- she's been dancing for 17 years -- smiles, lost in a Cinderella moment, remembering that in her first screen role she's one of the stars in a network prime-time TV series.

It's difficult to imagine that the 24-year-old actress, the only female among seven main cast members, has any enemies. Sumika plays the strong-willed but flawed cop Lihn Tamiya.
"She's a delight to be around," says Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, who plays her boss, Capt. Terry Tagawa. "There's no pretense, no ego, just energy, enthusiasm and natural talent."
"You want to help her, protect her," says co-star Eric Balfour, who already has given Sumika surfing lessons. "She's a real professional, great work ethic, always observing."

SUMIKA, a Seattle native, had an early love for both the dramatic and performing arts. She focused primarily on dance and, after years of study in high school, was accepted into the Juilliard School, where she honed her skills in ballet. Dancing has kept her in excellent condition, so she was ready for "Hawaii's" action scenes.
"I weigh 120, baby, all muscle weight," she says, raising her arm to show a taut biceps.
"I love being physical. I swim, go to the gym and pump weights, walk, dance, and now I'm learning hula. It's so much harder than it looks -- and I've been dancing my whole life".

Like other cast members, Sumika went on a ride-along with a police officer -- a 23-year-old woman nicknamed Jack -- in researching her role.
"We had a lot of scares during that ride, and my gut dropped several times. I learned that you never know what to expect."

Sumika also learned how to handcuff and tackle a suspect, then spent part of a day at the Koko Head gun range firing a police-issue 9 mm revolver. She'd never fired a weapon before.
"I'm a really good aim, especially when the object was flying toward me," she said, smiling. "What really surprised me, though, is how police consider their weapon to be like a best friend. I hear some cops talk about their guns like they're talking about a woman."

Being the only female among the stars allows Sumika to get into her character more easily.
"Lihn has to hold her own in a man's field, constantly having to prove herself. She's beautiful, talented, smart, independent and flawed. She has a pained history but gets up every morning and puts on her Superman, uh Superwoman, suit. That's a wall, a guard, that says, 'I'm here for business.'"

ART IS IMITATING
A bit of Sumika's real life, which has included working as a cocktail waitress in Manhattan.
"Oh yes, I know what it's like to be surrounded by men. Drunk men spitting on you or asking the most insane questions like 'What's a pretty lady like you working in a place like this?'
"'How about trying to earn a living?' I would tell them."

Sumika's father, a classical guitar player, lives in Upcountry Maui with her brother, so she's been a frequent Hawaii visitor over the years. Hawaii has reminded her of her Japanese heritage.
"I want to pay respect to Hawaii by learning as much as I can about the culture. And I do play a local girl."
Sumika does pass for local; even her pidgin is acceptable, although she hasn't used it on the series.
"I tried to sneak it in one scene, and they stopped shooting to remind me that the writers haven't established that part of Lihn's character," she said.
The writers also have tried to play down Sumika's beauty, keeping her wrapped in police blues and her hair tied up under a cap. But in the first episode, Sumika is found by other officers in her Jacuzzi with Sharif Atkins' character.
"First off, Mom and Dad, I was wearing a body stocking! The scene wasn't difficult for me because I'm very comfortable with my body."
Sumika received notice that she had gotten the part the same day she auditioned for the role.
"I feel like I'm Cinderella and 'Hawaii' is my glass slipper," she said.

As Sumika's star rises, Lihn will likely get a promotion as well.
"Oh yes, I'm getting out of those navy blues, which were fun for about two weeks. Now it's in my trailer, and I scowl at it every day."
One fantasy that hasn't yet come true is getting recognized.
"Boo hoo for me," Sumika says, laughing. "I've been waiting for the attention my whole life, so bring it on!"

Random info about Aya Sumika

2006-11-01T08:22:00.000-12:00

-Aya is a trained contemporary ballet dancer but is now an actress.

-She went through 5 auditions to land a cop role in Hawaii TV series.
(Linh Tamiya was her character)

-Aya tells us about how her hapa looks have figured into her acting

-Sumika, was the lone female in the core cast 'Hawaii' (2004)

-She also learned how to hula dance while in Hawaii.

She co-stars in Hawaii with:
-Sexy Eric Balfour ("Six Feet Under") Eric also taught her how to surf.
-Sex-Me Ivan Sergei ("Crossing Jordan") Aya's love interest in Hawaii
All charatcers in Hawaii play cops.

Sumika's Stunt Double

2006-11-01T08:10:00.000-12:00

Boni Yanagisawa

plays Aya Sumika's stunt double in

most of Hawaii's dangerous episodes.

(shes cute but looks nothing like

Sumika, if you ask me)

Check her out at:

www.v10stunts.com

..::Sumika Numb3rs Episodes::..

2006-11-01T07:59:00.000-12:00

Numb3rs "Blackout"
Friday 3. November 2006
CBS
When a series of blackouts puts Los Angeles in the dark, Don and his team must determine if it is terrorist activity. (Sparks begin to fly between Don and his former trainee, Special Agent Liz Warner)

Numb3rs "Longshot"
Friday 27. October 2006
CBS
Don and the team investigate a suspicious death at a horse track. When Charlie starts looking into the crime, he uncovers something that will send the investigation into an entirely different direction. (Sumika is introduced to the show as OC Agent 'Liz Warner'. A One time assistant to Don back in Quanico)

TV Show Debate: Hawaii VS. LOST

2006-11-01T07:01:00.000-12:00

A Hawaiian Connection or War?
Read the debate about which show is better: Hawaii (2004) or Lost(2004)?

The main altercation? They were both shot in Hawaii, during the same location and year & they reportedly were aired during the same night & time.

In the article there was some interesting points:
-Hawaii has a better looking cast. (Eric Balfour, Ivan Sergei & Aya Sumika)

-Lost has better plots to their stories (who doesn't find Sawyers story to be the most fasinating?!?)

-How long are they going to continue the LOST series? I just hope they aren't dragging the show to 12 seasons like E.R.

-Hawaii never even made a full season. They only had 8 aired shows.

-Main difference? Hawaii is some typical, ranchy cop show and the other is a Giligins Island/E.R Ripoff.

(But still, I LOVVVVVEEE 'LOST'.. sorry, Aya Hawaii Fans)

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Sep/22/il/il01a.html

Aya Sumika 'Rumors'...

2006-11-01T06:35:00.000-12:00

X-Men 3 Cast?:
The New York Post claims that director Brett Ratner of X-Men 3 (2006) wants to include a minor Marvel flick.. a mutant hooker known as Stacy X. The paper reminds us that her "super power is that she secretes a pheromone that helps her to seduce men. She can seduce anyone." Unknown thesps Kate Nauta and Aya Sumika are reportedly in the running for the role.

Hawaii Vs Lost?:
Hawaii (2004) got cancelled because it didn't get enuough ratings....
or did the NBC's LOST series take its place?
Both Hawaii & Lost were filming at the same location, same year, which will also be aired on the same night.
(Though LOST is a hell of a lot better show than Hawaii, they should of casted Aya for Kate's part in LOST.)

Sumika in ABC's new Pilot Series -"Introducing Lennie Rose"?:
For ABC's new pilot project "Introducing Lennie Rose" (2005), Sumika has said to be casted as one of the friends in this ensemble show about - a group of 20-somethings living in NYC.

Aya in E.R episode? (Season 12 - Episode 9)
From web sources, Aya was suppose to have played a blind woman in ER's (2005) 12 season episode called "Second Sight"...
Was this episode already been filmed but wasn't offically released?

Here's the synopsis: Second Sight – Jane (Melissa Gilbert) and Susan (Sherry Stringfield) treat a blind woman (guest star Aya Sumika) who was the victim of a car accident after her guide dog was stolen. They later discover that this isn’t the first time one of her guide dogs has been stolen and that someone wants her to die.

Overseas Modeling?:
Sumika may of done some modeling, overseas?...

(some pics I got from a supposed, asian magazine)

"again, these are just rumors, so don't blame the messenger"-Jax

17yrs of Ballet=Juilliards Arts School

2006-11-01T05:48:00.000-12:00

A cool 'bit' about Sumika is her extensive training as a ballet dancer. I find this amazing becuase this shows true talent. Mastering 1 artform is hard, let alone 2! Qoutos to her.

Check what they said about her performance.

Dance Ensemble

Juilliard Theater

(New York City - February 23, 2002)

"The Juilliard dancers immersed themselves in Lubovitch's aqueous choreography for Thus Is All, a world premiere set to familiar arias from Mozart's operas. Downstage of six singers in period costume, the dancers abstracted the emotional essence of the music via Lubovitch's sweeping, long-lined phrases. Aya Sumika's glimmering clarity and poignant interpretation of a solo danced to a duet from La clemenza di Tito evoked the type of audience attention that heralds the arrival of an extraordinary talent. At a time when gimmickry and bad taste seem too common in the performing arts, Lubovitch's commitment to glorious dancing and solid craft are refreshing. Thus Is All would be a welcome addition to the repertoire of any dance company ready for its demands."

http://www.juilliard.edu/update/press/527current_releases_story.html

(Download) 'Love Runs Red' Film

2006-11-01T05:22:00.000-12:00

Aya is featured in a: 9 minute film
"LOVE RUNS RED" (Experimental)

A (Dance) piece about a Mistress who informs a Wife of her Husband’s betrayal. The Wife confronts her Husband with his affair. A dance begins reflecting the heated emotions and complications of truth, love, and lies. In the end deception comes full circle.

The tango is a passionate and tragic dance, perfectly woven into this turbulent love affair.

Film was featured in: Seattle's Music & Arts FilmFest, New York's short filmfest & L.A Reel Filmfest this year.

The 9 minute film is amazing. Aya really does now how to flow. I don't know how she can move/control her body like that but she does it well... and the actor who plays the cheating husband is pretty hot! Very musclely!

~~Watch Aya Sumika on Youtube~~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umHb1jAb0EE

(download it on the web) Heres the link ENJOY!: http://www.siffcast.com/2006/2006/08/love_runs_red.php

Director / Writer: Trevor John,
Produced: Aya Sumika & Sara Bond
Cinematographer: Mike Alba
Cast (danced, acted, choreographed): Peter Chu, Aya Sumika
Contact: trevor.john@sbcglobal.net

http://www.lashortsfest.com/_pages/Schedule_2006/Program66.html

Misc Aya Sumika Pics

2006-10-31T14:15:00.000-12:00

(CounterClock Wise - L to R)
[Poster I made] [Aya Profile Shot] [2004 NBC Party]
[THE OC -"Erin" Season 2 E9] [ 2005 NBC Party]

NUMB3RS "LONGSHOT" PICS

2006-10-31T14:05:00.000-12:00

NUMB3RS - SEASON 3 EPISODE 6 "LONGSHOT".

Aya Sumika Hawaii Pics

2006-10-31T13:26:00.000-12:00

NUMB3Rs Links!

2006-10-31T08:43:00.000-12:00

....::::NUMB3RS FAN LINKS::::....

WWW.NUMB3RS-ONLINE.NET

WWW.NUMB3RS.ORG

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/AYASUMIKA_FAN

Main Blogger (ME): AYA.SUMIKA.FAN@GMAIL.COM

All About Aya Sumika

2006-10-31T07:29:00.000-12:00

AYA SUMIKA KOENIG
Grewup: Seattle, Washington
Resides: in L.A
Born: August 22, 1980
Sign: Leo
Family: Dad & Brother both live in Hawaii.
Father was a classical guitar player.
Misc: Took ballet for 17 years
Ethnicitiy: Japanese/Caucausian
Occupation: Plays Liz Warner on Numb3rs

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/AYASUMIKA_FAN

Why would I make a blog for someone I don't even know? It's simple. I find Aya Sumika Koenig to be very fascinating, beautiful & mysterious. (Plus she has a wicked last name!)
I know she will blow up real soon & people will start to jump on her band wagon... so I might as well get that wagon going! lol

The real reason why I created this is becasue I'm very intrigued by her acting ability... just Truely Amazing! Shes a state-of-the-art actress with strong vocals, rich physical appearance and best of all shes half Japanese/Caucausian!

She's a Producer:
Aya recently choreographed, produced and starred in an indie film called "Love Runs Red"

Actress:
-She once had her own NBC TV Series called 'Hawaii' in 2004 where she played police officer 'Linh Tamiya'.
-She was also on 'The OC' as 'Erin' from Season 2.
-Movie wise, Aya was in 2004's horror flick 'Bloodline' as Lori (lead's girlfriend).
-Currently Aya's in the NBC Math/CSI TV series called 'Numb3rs' as OC Agent, Liz Warner.

Other:
-Aya's a contemporary Ballet Dancer where she attended the prostegious Juillairds Arts School.
-Her father and brother live in Hawaii.
-She was also in Brooke Burke's "Pieces of Ass" Monologue Show.
-oh yeah, and shes also a Sex Symbol! (yummy)

(If any of this isn't correct, please message me about it. Again, this is just a site for her fans out there that want to spread the Sumika love!)

Peace out!! -Jax
aya.sumika.fan@gmail.com

Aya Sumika Myspace

2006-10-30T08:30:00.000-12:00

About me:
I'm a 22 year old, Canadian who loves Aya Sumika! The first time I saw her was on the NBC TV Series "NUMB3RS". The show isn't bad considering its like a rip off of CSI but watch it for one person and one person only...Aya Sumika!

I also made a myspace page for her.
SO check it out'save as friend'.
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/AYASUMIKA_FAN

now back to me.... NO, I'm not an obsessed fan & YES, I DO have a life. I have a full-time job at MTV Canada where I create, produce & edit commercials. I also produce urban music & I edit & create my own videos as well.

To sum me up in 4 words: ENTERTAINMENT IS MY LIFE!!

Peace Out!
-Jax