Here are some examples:
* George Takei famously played Hikaru Sulu, the helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the original series. He was a prominent character throughout the series.
* James Doohan, who played Montgomery Scott, was born in Canada and has a Scottish background. While this is not explicitly "Asian", it demonstrates the diversity of backgrounds present in the Star Trek universe.
While the original series could have done more to accurately reflect the diverse backgrounds of humanity, it's crucial to acknowledge the roles played by actors like George Takei and the inclusion of characters like Sulu.
Additionally, it's worth noting that:
* Star Trek has evolved over time: Later series like Voyager, Enterprise, and Discovery have featured a wider range of diverse characters, including Asian characters.
* The franchise has been actively trying to address the lack of representation: Recent series have made a conscious effort to feature more diverse cast members and storylines.
It's important to engage with the nuances of representation in media, acknowledging both the progress made and the areas where improvement is still needed.