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