‘Berlin Station’ star becomes a Berliner
Actress Tamlyn Tomita (“Joy Luck Club,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” “The Karate Kid 2”) is loving her latest series, the Epix espionage drama “Berlin Station.” One of the perks of working in Berlin is getting to sightsee on her days off. “After the fall of the Berlin Wall, a TV station in Japan raised funds to send over cherry blossom trees to Berlin,” says Tomita, who’s based out of Los Angeles. “I was lucky enough to witness the first pink-andwhite blossoms in Berlin and to see so many Berliners underneath the beauty of these flowers. It made me proud to view this sight as an American whose father’s parents were from Japan, a former Axis country, extending a grand gesture of peace toward another former Axis country and showing the world how true progress and partnership can be nurtured and sustained.”
An edited version of our conversation follows. You’ve said that Berlin has had a profound impact on your life. What are some of the things you’ve learned during your early visits and now working on “Berlin Station” in Germany?
I had the privilege of visiting Berlin in 1990, one year after the fall of the wall. West Berliners welcomed their East Berlin brothers and sisters and then realized that acceptance and change can be hard and that tolerance, patience and education can be trying. The public and visible art, museums, street markers in and around Berlin that recognized the cost of war, anti-Semitism, the mass round-ups of others and death camps were steadfast reminders that we have to learn and teach the history of our world. Otherwise, we will keep repeating the same mistakes. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from traveling?
I learned that as big as the world is, it is really small and we share the same desires — love, peace and family. I believe everyone should travel, whether it be across the country, around the world, across the state or around town. It’s an important part of educating oneself. One learns about other lives, other ways and ourselves while taking vacations, both good and bad. Own all those memories. They form you. What kind of travel tips do you give to friends?
I always tell people about the best things to eat and restaurants to visit. They could be little holes in the wall and not just fancy schmancy, but those are good too! What untapped destination should people know about?
Travel your own country like a tourist. It’ll give you a new set of eyes. What was the first trip you took as a child?
Japan, when I was 12. Never did I feel more American. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
That as big as the world is, it is really small and we share the same desires — love, peace and family. What are your five favorite cities?
I have become a Berliner, so Berlin! Also, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Kyoto and Venice. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?
Vancouver. It’s like L.A., only prettier! For more from the reporter, visit www.jaehakim.com.