Ike Nwala facts for kids

Ike Nwala (born June 5, 1986) is an American comedian, actor, and narrator who lives and works in Tokyo, Japan. He is a member of the comedy group Chō Shinjuku and is managed by Watanabe Entertainment.

Ike Nwala's Early Life and Career

Ike Nwala was born in Manhattan, New York, and grew up in Seattle, Washington. As a child, he loved computers and taught himself how to code. When he was 18, he went to the DigiPen Institute of Technology to study information technology.

While in college, he worked at a Japanese video store. There, he discovered Japanese comedy shows, which he found very funny even though he didn't understand the language at first. This sparked his interest in Japanese comedy. After graduating early at age 20, he worked as an engineer at Goldman Sachs. But he soon left to move to Osaka, Japan, to learn Japanese and become a comedian.

Once in Japan, Ike Nwala appeared on a popular TV show. He did an impression of a Tokyo Disney Sea announcer. A video clip of his performance went viral online, which helped kickstart his comedy career in Japan. He joined the comedy group Chō Shinjuku on September 29, 2011.

Ike Nwala's Personal Life

Ike Nwala is good friends with actor Gota Watabe and singer Nana Tanimura. He is also close to singer Tomohisa Yamashita.

In September 2020, Ike Nwala tested positive for COVID-19.

Ike Nwala's Artistic Style

Ike Nwala often tries to fit into Japanese culture in his comedy. He sometimes imitates famous people like Dante Carver or Usain Bolt.

Chō Shinjuku Comedy Group

Ike Nwala is part of the comedy group Chō Shinjuku. Another member, Tiger Fukuda, helps by adapting American jokes into their comedy routines.

Nuwarashi Comedy Duo

Ike Nwala also performs as a duo called Nuwarashi with Koala Koarashi. They often mix Japanese and American styles in their acts. For example, they made a traditional Japanese street performance called "Nankin Tamasudare" into an American-style show. Ike Nwala often uses phrases like "Oh!", "Yeah!", and "Come on!" in their stories.

Ike Nwala's Solo Performances

Ike Nwala is known for his solo acts, called "pin activities." He works as a bilingual MC (Master of Ceremonies) on the popular show Oha Suta.

He also worked as a correspondent on 5-Ji ni muchū. He is known for his cheerful personality, similar to Eddie Murphy. His monologue about being an announcer at Tokyo DisneySea became very popular online.

Ike Nwala became very well-known in 2016. The number of TV shows he appeared on grew a lot, from 13 shows in the previous year to 175 shows in 2016.

Ike Nwala's Work in Films and Dramas

Ike Nwala has appeared in several films and TV shows.

Films Ike Nwala Appeared In

• Yo-kai Watch: Soratobu Kujira to Double no Sekai no Daibōken da Nyan! (2016) – He appeared as himself in the live-action part.
• Yo-kai Watch Shadowside: Oni-ō no Fukkatsu (2017) – He played a character called "eyeglass brother."

Dramas Ike Nwala Appeared In

• Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger (ABC, 2018–2019) – He played the role of Director Hilltop.

Ike Nwala's Appearances

Ike Nwala has been on many TV shows, radio programs, and webcasts.

Television Appearances

Current Regular Programmes

• Oha Suta (TX, since April 6, 2016) – He is a bilingual MC on weekdays.
• 5-Ji ni Muchū! (Tokyo MX, since April 6, 2016) – He appears every Wednesday.

Former Regular Programmes

• Moshi Moshi Nippon TV (NHK G, 2015)
• Nep & Imoto no Sekai Banzuke (NTV, 2015–2016)
• Eigo de Asobo (NHK E) – He made occasional appearances.

Other Television Appearances

• Vice News Tonight (2017)
• Goddotan (2016)
• Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!! (2015)
• Monomane Grand Prix (2015)
• Sukkiri! (2016)
• Tonneruzu no Minasan no Okage deshita (2015)
• Nep League (2016–2017)
• Love music (2017)
• Nihonjin no 3-wari shika Shiranai koto Cream Stew no Hana Taka! Yūetsu-kan (2015)
• Nanikore Chinhyakkei (2015–2016)
• Morning Show (2016)
• Ametalk (2017)
• Cream VS Osamu Hayashi! Quiz Survivor (2017)
• Suiyōbi no Downtown (2017)
• Nakai-kun no Manabu Switch (2017)

Voice Acting Work

Current Regular Programmes

• Love music (CX, since October 16, 2015) – He is the narrator for this show every Sunday.

Former Voice Acting Roles

• The Big Chance! (2014–2015) – Narration.
• Countdown Anime Heroine (2014, NHK Radio) – Narration.
• Mission "Hawaii-shima no Zaihō o Sagase!" (2017, NHK E) – Narration and played the role of Boss.
• VS Arashi (2017) – Narration for a segment.

Radio Appearances

• Lotti no Dame Dame Radio Tenshi no Okotoba (2013, NHK Radio)
• Radipedia (2014, J-Wave)
• Alco & Peace no All Night Nippon 0 (2015, NBS)
• Gold Rush (2017, J-Wave)
• Avalon (2017, J-Wave)

Webcast Appearances

• Wata@Ame! (2015, Ameba Fresh! Studio)
• Maasa no Heya e yōkoso (2015, NotTV)
• Dōga Hakkutsu! Gao Gao Gyao! (2016–2017, GyaO)
• Sakidori Bose (GyaO, 2016–2017)
• Daimaou Kosaka no Katsuage (Abema TV, 2016)

Ike Nwala's Stage Performances

Ike Nwala has performed in his own live comedy shows and made guest appearances.

Personal Live Shows

• Ike Nwala no Comedy Challenge
  • Vol.1 (June 4, 2016)
  • Vol.2 (March 5, 2017)

Guest Appearances

• Chidori no Dai Manzai (Surprise guest at Chidori's live shows)
  • Tokyo Yomiuri Hall (November 5, 2017)
  • Osaka Shin Kabukiza (November 10, 2017)

Events

• Dynamite Kansai 2016 (May 8, 2016)
• Rocketman Summer Fes' 2016 (August 21, 2016)

Ike Nwala's Advertising Work

Ike Nwala has appeared in various advertisements for TV and the internet.

Television Advertisements

• DMM Eikaiwa TVCM (2014, 2017) – He co-starred with Ken Yahagi from Ogiyahagi.
• Puzzle Wonderland TVCM (2015)

Internet Advertisements

• Sanko-Seika (October 5, 2015) – He played "Rich Cheese Man" in a web video for a new product.
• West Gigantic City Land '17 official adverts (2017) – He appeared in several online videos for this event.