Akira Kawashima (川島 明, Kawashima Akira, born February 3, 1979, in Uji, Kyoto) is a Japanese comedian, tarento and actor who has featured in films, television, and radio. He performs boke and writes all the material in his comedy duo Kirin.[1] His partner is Hiroshi Tamura. Kawashima is represented by Yoshimoto Kogyo and is mainly active in Tokyo and Osaka.
Life and career
Kawashima graduated from the 20th generation Yoshimoto NSCOsaka.[1] He formed the comedy duo Kirin with Hiroshi Tamura in 1999 and rose to popularity after becoming a finalist in the 1st M-1 Grand Prix in 2001. Kirin continued to make strides as they entered the finals 5 out of the 8 times they entered the M-1 Grand Prix, becoming active in manzai despite their initial focus on the genre of conte. In 2010, Kawashima entered the R-1 Grand Prix and was a finalist, finishing in 4th place overall.
Kawashima was engaged in 2015[2] and married on March 8, 2016.[3] Later that year in November 2016, Kawashima won his first oogiri winning title on Ippon Grand Prix, defeating the then three-time champion Bakarhythm. From then on, Kawashima was a regular on Ippon Grand Prix, almost winning his second and back to back title against Chihara Junior in May 2017, but lost as the runners-up. Kawashima continues to perform as a television personality.
Media
This list consists of only media appearances and works by Akira Kawashima, for appearances and works as the comedy duo Kirin, see Kirin.
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