With about 700,000 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders now, North Texas is home to the fastest-growing AAPI population in the United States. Many are coming here because the established communities are welcoming. It’s also because of the growing number of tech jobs in the region. Whatever the reason, we’re glad for the increased diversity.
The largest contingent is Indian (38%), followed by Vietnamese (16%) and Chinese (11%), along with a big Nepalese population. Between 2022 and 2023, DFW added more than 44,000 AAPI residents, marking the country’s highest numerical growth.
Tarrant County, Arlington in particular, is one of the top counties in Texas for the AAPI community, and it’s about time we celebrate our AAPI friends and family with a special issue. Between these pages, you will find a wealth of AAPI-focused goodness. On pg. 6, we explore some of the recent changes to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with a particular focus on the Japanese Garden, while on pg. 22, we profile one of the Dallas Stars’ and the NHL’s best players, Filipino American Jason Robertson; on pg. 14, we get psyched for the new H Mart coming to Haltom City; and on pg. 9, we take a closer look at all the amazing Asian art at the Kimbell Art Museum. All this and so much more. O-tanoshimi kudasai! — Anthony Mariani, Editor
INSIDE AAPI 2026
Tell you more about what’s in this issue? Gladly!
Metro: News // Floral Arrangements
A lot can (and did) change in a decade at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, including the preservation of the Japanese Garden. Read about it here.
Metro: Static // Daniel Tiger Mom
One writer’s partner is a first-generation Asian American. His parents are Taiwanese and Cantonese and came to the United States via Canada. Read about how she has been able to meld not two but three disparate worlds into a harmonious blend in this Letter.
Art // Kimbell’s Asian Jewels
Fort Worth is home to one of the most impressive collections of Asian art in the country. The Kimbell Art Museum’s holdings are not large or comprehensive, just otherworldly and stunning. Many of the pieces are emblematic or typical of a critical time period or style. Read more about these “jewels” here.
Screen // Pacific Rim
Our film reviewer rings in AAPI Heritage Month with this appreciation of their films. Asian-American representation in film has come a long way since the silent era, and Pacific Islander Dwayne Johnson’s role in Moana continues the upward trend. Read more here.
Calendar // Night & Day
From permanent art collections to cinematic masterpieces (or should we say “monsterpieces”?), there are many Asian-inspired things to see and do in May and beyond. Read about them here.
Calendar // Reel Worth: Godzilla vs. Hedorah
It’s not just the inaugural AAPI issue. We’re also trying something new in Calendar to cover film in North Texas. This new column will take a closer look at films made in, set in, showing in, or shaped by the people and places of North Texas and let you know where to see them in Fort Worth or in our cinematic sister cities. For our first go-round, click here and read about the Godzilla vs. Hedorah screening at Alamo.
Eats & Drinks // In Our Feelings Over H Mart
With the popular Asian grocery-store chain coming to town, one local writer reviews a famous musician’s memoir, Crying in H Mart, and another tackles the hyperlocal possibilities in this co-authored piece. Read the article here.
Eats & Drinks // Sports Rush: World Cup with Wagyu
Rex’s started out as a Team Japan watching spot but has expanded to encompass all 48 FIFA World Cup squads. Read all about it here.
Music // Fat Drum
The local taiko percussion ensemble Goisagi is now a nonprofit whose mission includes outreach. Translated as “fat drum,” taiko is a form of drumming drawing from the music of Japan, China, Korea, and India, and it harks to the many roots of drumming under the World Music umbrella. Read more here.
The End
Did you miss your chance to pick up AAPI 2026 in the stands? No worries. We’ve got you covered. To see this inaugural issue in a flipbook, cover-to-cover format, click here.
