In a ninja-themed TV show for youth lies the talent of an Asian-American teen star. Which show would this be? Nickelodeon’s very own “Supah Ninjas,” with young actor Ryan Potter in the lead. Potter… Harry Potter’s cousin? No, Ryan is a half-Japanese 16 year-old who is just like any other high schooler, minus his ninja side, and Ningin recently had the awesome opportunity to ask him a few questions.

JN: How did you land the lead role in Supah Ninjas, and what was your first reaction?

RP: Last year in early April, my teacher at the Kung Fu studio where I train was passing out copies of an audition notice calling for “Asian American boys, ages 13-15 with acting and martial arts experience.” I didn’t really give it much thought until my mom was cleaning out my school bag one day and found it. She asked me if I wanted to do it just for fun and that’s how I got started in the audition process for the role of Mike Fukanaga on “Supah NInjas.” Up to that point my acting experience was limited to student films and a play in elementary school. I had no idea even how to audition. It was crazy. I worked really hard in each round of the auditions to learn. I mean I had never done any of this before! It was so much fun meeting kids at the auditions. The final audition was a screen test and it was on a Thursday. They called on Monday and my manager called my mom right away. I had a play-off baseball game that next day and my mom wanted me to be able to concentrate so she kept it a secret for a whole day. The next day she kept yelling from the stands “there’s a ninja up to bat!” I thought she was crazy. Then in the car on the way home she kept making jokes and I still didn’t get it. Finally she said, “Dude, you got the part! You’re Mike Fukanaga!” I freaked out! I was screaming out the window on the freeway. People in other cars thought I was crazy. I was so excited. I called all my friends and family as soon as we got home. It still feels like it just happened. Every day is a lot of fun. I mean I was a ninja for just about every Halloween when I was in elementary school. I grew up watching Nickelodeon. So to be able to put on that ninja suit everyday for a Nickelodeon show is a dream come true.

JN: Can you see yourself in your character Mike? In what ways are you two alike and different?

RP: I’m like my character Mike in some ways. We both love martial arts, action figures, comic books and have a really close best friend. I was more like Mike when we started shooting because I was a lot more shy. This experience has helped me gain confidence and I’m actually not shy any more. So that’s a key difference. And can I just say how much I love that there is finally a show with an Asian-American family and I have the privilege of being a part of such an awesome experience.

JN: Who do you draw acting inspiration from and why?

RP: Working with such a great cast is constant inspiration. Carlos and Gracie are so much fun. George Takei is an icon. I wouldn’t be doing what I am today if it wasn’t for him. He opened doors for all Asian-American actors on television. Randall Park, who plays my dad Martin, is really quick. His improv is hilarious. Also, Robert Downey Jr and Johnny Depp are pretty inspiring because of the wide range of characters they’ve played. We also watch a lot of Japanese films, my most recent favorite being “13 Assassins.” It has the craziest action!

JN: What is your favorite anime and/or manga and your ultimate favorite character?

RP: Right now I am watching One Piece and love the character Monkey.D.Luffy. Akira is probably my all-time favorite manga. I’ve read Toriko, Death Note and so many others. Too many to list. I grew up in Japan so I read a lot of manga like Pokemon and Naruto before they came out in the US.

JN: What type(s) of martial arts have you studied and what forms/moves would you say you have mastered?

RP: I’ve studied White Tiger Kung Fu, Wu Shu, Capoeira and some others but hands down White Tiger is my favorite. My teacher at White Tiger says you never truly master anything until you’ve done it 10,000 times. So as far as any forms or moves that I’ve ” mastered,” there’s always more to learn and definitely room for improvement. We always have something to work towards.

JN: What other upcoming projects do you have in store?

RP: My current projects? I’m working on getting my learner’s permit for driving. I’ve started my sophmore year of high school. I’m training in kung fu. I’m playing baseball and helping coach a Little League team. And I’d say the most exciting thing I am doing right now is launching a charity toy drive! It’s long been a goal of mine to help homeless youth in anyway I can. So this year I have decided to do a toy drive to collect toys to donate to homeless shelters in the Los Angeles area. Please go on my website RyanPotter.com to get more information on how you can get involved. Or follow me on Twitter @ryankpotter to get the most current information on the toy drive. Right now I’m setting up a meet and greet for the fans who bring brand new unwrapped toys so stay tuned to my website and Twitter!

Yeah, you heard him. Go visit Ryan’s site to learn more about him and his activities. Those who indulge yourselves in the twittersphere, go follow him for the newest updates! Let’s thank Ryan for his time and words. As for his current and upcoming projects, ganbatte kudasai!

Watch “Supah Ninjas” on Nickelodeon, Saturdays 8:30 EST/7:30 Central Time.