Ike Nwala facts for kids
Ike Nwala (born June 5, 1986) is a funny comedian, actor, and narrator from America who lives in Tokyo, Japan. He is part of a comedy group called Chō Shinjuku and works with Watanabe Entertainment.
Quick facts for kids Ike Nwala |
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| Born | June 5, 1986 Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
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| Alma mater | DigiPen Institute of Technology |
| Years active | 2011–present |
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Contents
Early Life and Comedy Journey
Ike Nwala was born in Manhattan, New York, and grew up in Seattle, Washington. When he was a kid, he loved computers and taught himself how to code. At 18, he went to DigiPen Institute of Technology to study information technology.
While working at a Japanese video store, Ike saw a funny Japanese TV show called Tensai Takeshi no Genki ga Deru TV!!. He didn't understand the words, but he thought it was "comical and funny!" This made him interested in Japanese comedy. He watched many Japanese comedians like Junji Takada and Downtown.
After college, he worked as a data center engineer at Goldman Sachs. But he really wanted to do comedy. So, at age 20, he moved to Osaka, Japan to learn Japanese and become a comedian.
In Japan, Ike became famous after a video of him pretending to be a Tokyo Disney Sea announcer went viral on Twitter. This helped start his comedy career. He joined the comedy group Chō Shinjuku on September 29, 2011.
Personal Life
Ike Nwala is friends with actor Gota Watabe and singer Nana Tanimura. He is also close with singer Tomohisa Yamashita.
In September 2020, Ike Nwala tested positive for COVID-19. He recovered well.
His Comedy Style
Chō Shinjuku
Ike Nwala often performs acts about trying to fit into Japanese culture. He also does impressions of famous people like Usain Bolt. He has a special duo act with Koala Koarashi called Nuwarashi.
Nuwarashi
As part of Nuwarashi, Ike brought American ideas to a Japanese performance art called Nankin Tamasudare. He often uses English words like "Oh!", "Yeah!", and "Come on!" in his shows. Their act also featured unique vocal percussion, which became very popular.
Notable Activities
Ike Nwala is a bilingual MC (meaning he speaks two languages) on the popular morning children's TV show Oha Suta. He helps teach English and does fun challenges.
| Oha Suta Corner Name | What it's About |
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| Sugu ni Tsukaeru! Kakkoe-go!!! | Teaching useful everyday English in a fun way |
| Nwala Challenge | Trying different activities like break dancing or lifting weights |
| Don-Nwala Hakase no Science World | Showing amazing things using science |
| Nwalaman! | A corner where the "perfect superman" Nwalaman tries to relax and feel free |
He was also a correspondent on 5-Ji ni muchū, where he played a cheerful character. His impression of a Tokyo Disney Sea announcer became very popular on Twitter. In 2016, he was ranked as one of the top "break out tarento" (newly popular celebrities) in Japan.
Films
- Yo-kai Watch: Soratobu Kujira to Double no Sekai no Daibōken da Nyan! (2016) – He appeared as himself.
- Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu (2017) – He appeared as the eyeglass brother.
Dramas
- Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger (ABC, 2018–2019) – He played Director Hilltop.
Appearances
Television
Current Regular Programmes
- Oha Suta (TX, 2016 – Present) – He is a bilingual MC on weekdays.
- 5-Ji ni Muchū! (Tokyo MX, 2016 – Present) – He appears every Wednesday.
Voice Acting
- Love music (CX, 2015 – Present) – He does the narration for this show every Sunday.
- Ultra Galaxy Fight: The Destined Crossroad (2022) – He was the voice of Ultraman Nice.
Radio
- Alco & Peace no All Night Nippon 0 (2015, NBS)
- Gold Rush (2017, J-Wave)
Advertising
- DMM Eikaiwa TVCM (2014, 2017) – He appeared in TV commercials for DMM English conversation.
- Puzzle Wonderland TVCM (2015)
