MEET THE TEAM
Asami Martin
POWER WOMAN OF KNOXVILLE
Meet Asami Martin, the driving force behind Knox KPOP and Knox Pop Con. Originally from Yokohama, Japan, Asami has dedicated her life to dance, from shaping Japan’s hip-hop scene to performing globally. Now, she’s bringing that same passion to Knoxville to make her dream of a K-Pop convention a reality.
Beyond dance, Asami is a devoted wife and mother to two beautiful children. With Knoxville’s vibrant Asian cultural community and love for music and dance, she’s ready to make Knox Pop Con an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to dance, celebrate, and bring K-Pop to Knoxville like never before!
AZSHA WHITE
POWER WOMAN OF KNOXVILLE
Introducing Azsha White, the dynamic emcee of Knox Pop Con. A professional voice-over artist, actress, and event host based in Knoxville, TN, Azsha has lent her talents to clients across 14 countries.
As co-founder and emcee of the Knox Asian Festival, she has been instrumental in promoting cultural diversity and engagement within the community. Azsha’s passion for connecting people through art and culture makes her the perfect host to bring Knox Pop Con to life.
Get ready to be entertained and inspired as Azsha leads us through an unforgettable celebration of pop culture in Knoxville!
Our Mission
Founded by Asami Martin—an Asian immigrant mother of two—Knox Pop Con is more than a festival. It’s a movement.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to create a vibrant, inclusive space where young people can explore their passions, express their identities, and build meaningful community through K-Pop, J-Pop, anime, and Asian pop culture.
In a post-pandemic world where digital screens often replace human connection, Knox Pop Con offers something rare and real:
✨ A place to belong
✨ A place to be inspired
✨ A place to create
DAN
ZE
Community
We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. Through music, dance, cosplay, art, and shared cultural appreciation, we help youth and young adults from all backgrounds:
- Build confidence
- Develop leadership and creativity
- Foster cross-cultural understanding
- Create community
As a mother and a dance instructor, I’ve seen firsthand how K-Pop and anime culture open hearts and create bridges—how they give youth and young adults the courage to be fully themselves. Knox Pop Con is a platform for that transformation.
By supporting our mission, you’re helping us build something foundational in East Tennessee—a region full of potential, yet lacking spaces for youth expression and connection. Together, we can create a future where creativity thrives and no one feels alone.
🌟 Join us. Support us. Stand with the next generation.
Let’s make June 7, 2025, the beginning of something truly unforgettable.
Asami Martin
Knox Pop Con Founder