

Playfest Promises Diverse Stories, Performances in 9th Show
Formed nearly a decade ago, the Asian American Playwright Collective aims to expand the representation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander theater creatives in Boston's theater scene, said founder Christina R. Chan. She said the goal is for the theater scene to more accurately reflect Massachusetts demographics.
Adam Smith
Oct 16


Secrets of the Gate
The Chinatown landmark has endured international divisions, harsh winters and construction mishaps. Now It's About to Turn 45.
Wenqi Cao
Oct 9


First Person: Why I'm Boxing for Cancer Research, and for That Little Girl I Once Was
First Person: Why I'm Boxing for Cancer Research, and for That Little Girl I Once Was
DongDong Yang
Oct 9


Chinatown's Caroline Chang Puts Her Stamp on History
The late Chinatown activist Caroline Chang put an official stamp on Boston’s history on Sept. 10. That day, nearly a hundred people – a mix of longtime Chinatown activists, politicians and other officials – gathered at the Fort Point Post Office at 25 Dorchester Ave. on Sept. 10 for the ceremonial renaming of the Boston post office.
Naomi Shangmei Wang
Sep 29


News Roundup: AAPI Voters in Midterms, Doctor Meeting
Report: Asian Americans Play Bigger Role in Midterms Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders — the nation’s fastest growing voter bloc — are set to “play an increasingly consequential role” in the upcoming midterm elections, according to the 2026 AAPI Voter Survey, which was published by Aapidata.com using data from the University of California-Berkeley’s Asian American Research Center. According to the survey, the U.S. is home to 16 million eligible AAPI voters as of this yea
Sampan Staff
Sep 11


Born to Rock and Roll
How the Tokyo Tramps carry on a blues-rock American musical tradition
Shira Laucharoen
Sep 10


Amihan Matias to Head State AAPI Commission
Amihan Matias to Head State AAPI Commission
Adam Smith
Sep 10


Amid Fear of Chinatown Crime Uptick, Data Tell Different Story
Despite the concerns around crime, the statistics point to a safer Chinatown — and city — over recent years. According to Sampan’s analysis of BPD data, total reported crime in the Chinatown neighborhood, as defined by the Boston Planning and Development Agency’s boundaries, decreased by 15% between 2021 and 2025. The homicide count was zero in that 5-year period.
Darby Meiran Yang
Sep 4


Sons of Chinese Laundrymen Speak Out on Lost Childhood
Sons of Chinese Laundrymen Speak Out on Lost Childhood
Jennifer Chen
Aug 28


Not Even a Delayed T Can Stop Carnation Art Troupe's Big Mid-Autumn Concert
Not Even a Delayed T Can Stop Carnation Art Troupe's Big Mid-Autumn Concert
Wenqi Cao
Aug 28


Making Connections
NECINA celebrates 30 years of networking for Chinese-American tech workers.
Wenqi Cao
Aug 28


For Ballet Dancer Amane Takaishi, It's All About Making Connections
Meet Asian American Ballet Project dancer Amane Takaishi.
Adam Smith
Aug 5


The Human Toll of High-Cost Housing
A look at how a zine tells what the statistics don't: The human toll of the Hub's housing crisis.
Adam Smith
Jul 22


Filipino American Nurses Take Stand in Brigham Strike
A nurse strike at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the first of its kind at the Boston hospital and the largest in Massachusetts history, is bringing Asian American nurses out, some for the first time.
Jennifer Chen
Jul 14


Teso Life Opens in Boston to Long Lines
Teso Life, a Japanese lifestyle store, opened its first New England location in Downtown Boston on June 26. Spanning three floors — one each for toys, snacks, and beauty products — the store’s imported goods come from numerous parts of Asia.
Darby Meiran Yang
Jul 12


Quincy Schools' Decision on Lunar New Year Cheered
Quincy Public Schools will recognize Lunar New Year as a holiday starting in 2027, a decision that parents, students and community members have advocated for years.
Paisley Zhilan Huang
Jul 10


PinkPantheress Show a Trip to 2000s Nostalgia
The talented musical artist PinkPantheress brought back the early 2000s at her Boston performance on May 12 at MGM Music Hall in the Fenway.
Virginia Sun
Jun 28


Chinatown Zoning Rules OK'd
Boston's Zoning Commission has adopted new zoning rules for Chinatown on June 17 that the Boston Planning Department says will make it "easier for people to open small businesses, protect the historical row houses in the neighborhood, and improve the climate resilience" of the historic and cultural section of Downtown.
Adam Smith
Jun 17


‘My Home on the Moon’ Mixes 'Twilight Zone,' Pho and Queerness
Sampan attended opening night on May 27 and spoke with members of the creative team about the play's inspiration, creative process, and central themes. The production runs through June 13 at the Plaza Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts. For tickets and more information, visit www.chuangstage.org/my-home-on-the-moon.
DongDong Yang
Jun 10


Quincy School Mural Sends Message of Playfulness, Community
Artist Yuke Li talks about her Chinatown mural, “Star Gatherers,” that decorates Josiah Quincy Elementary School’s lower playground.
Adam Smith
Jun 8

