Kenji Otani

Azuma Kenji

  • Name: Azuma Kenji
  • Native name: 東けんじ
  • Also Known as: Ootani Kenji, Henry Azuma, Henrii Azuma, あずま けんじ, おおたに けんじ, 大谷健二, ヘンリー東
  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Gender: Male
  • Born: December 17, 1923
  • Died: January 7, 1991
Azuma Kenji was a Japanese manzai (comedic duo) performer who formed the duo "W Kenji" with Miyagi Kenji. His real name was Otani Kenji (大谷健二), and he was born in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan.

Azuma's father served as the mayor of Otawara Town. After finishing middle school, Azuma began working for the local Tono Railway as a small parcel handler. His interest in the performing arts grew during this time, leading him to form an amateur theater troupe with other railway employees. However, after being reprimanded by the stationmaster for this, he became frustrated and resigned. He soon joined a circus troupe, taking on the stage name Henry Azuma (ヘンリー東). In 1955, he formed a manzai duo called "W Conte" with Tamagawa Ryoichi and moved to Osaka. A year later, in 1956, Minami Nobusuke joined them to form the trio "Otoboke Guys."

Tensions arose when Azuma's frequent absences from performances caused friction, eventually leading to Minami's departure and the trio's dissolution around 1957. "W Conte" briefly reunited but disbanded again within a year. Azuma then returned to Tokyo and, following the advice of his agency's head, Natsuno Teizo, partnered with Miyagi Kenji to form "W Kenji" in April 1961.

Azuma also served as an executive for the Manzai Kyodan.

On January 7, 1999, Azuma passed away at the age of 75 in Bunkyo, Tokyo, due to liver failure caused by alcoholism.

(Source: kisskh) Edit Biography
Drama
Year Title # Role Rating
1970 Mito Komon Season 2
Japanese Drama, 1970, 33 eps
[Fake Suke-san] (Ep. 29) (Guest Role)
33
[Fake Suke-san] (Ep. 29)
Guest Role
6.0
Trending Articles
K-netz call for boycott of 'Can This Love Be Translated?' over THIS actor's casting
News - Dec 24, 2025

Netflix's 'Can This Love Be Translated?' embroiled in a controversy ahead of its premiere

Lim Yoon A wins Best Actress for 'Pretty Crazy'
News - Dec 25, 2025

Lim Yoon A adds another feather in her cap!

Gulnezer Bextiyar and Hou Ming Hao's 'Glory' announces premiere
News - Dec 26, 2025

Chinese drama Glory is coming this month

Kim Hye Yoon and Lomon shine with their bickering dynamics in 'No Tail to Tell'
K-Drama - Dec 26, 2025

SBS unveils a new teaser for 'No Tail to Tell'

Chinese mystery thriller 'The Truth Within' confirms premiere date
News - Dec 26, 2025

The new mystery thriller is premiering soon

Choo Young Woo on quitting alcohol and coffee
Celebrity - Dec 24, 2025

Choo Young Woo will be seen on the big screen in 'Even if This Love Disappears from the World Tonight'

Hyun Bin reveals his desire to work with his wife, Son Ye Jin on another project
News - Dec 26, 2025

Hyun Bin opened up the possibility of co-starring with his wife, Son Ye Jin, in another work.

Azuma Kenji

Kenji Otani
0 Followers
0 Hearts

Details

  • First Name: Kenji
  • Family Name: Otani
  • Native name: 東けんじ
  • Also Known as: Ootani Kenji, Henry Azuma, Henrii Azuma, あずま けんじ, おおたに けんじ, 大谷健二, ヘンリー東
  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Gender: Male
  • Born: December 17, 1923
  • Died: January 7, 1991

Weekly kisskh Support Goal

10%
Help Support kisskh

Top Contributors

12 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users