Ijiri Okada
Description
Ijiri Okada, born September 23, 1964, in Tokyo and raised in Saitama, is a Japanese entertainer whose career spans comedy, television hosting, and acting. While he is primarily known as a television personality and comedian, his body of work does include voice acting roles in anime and other media.
Okada began his entertainment career in 1987 after being recognized on a talent competition. He originally performed as part of a comedy duo before adopting his current stage name in the early 1990s. Throughout his career, he has become widely recognized for his energetic comedic style, celebrity impressions, and his role as a host for various variety shows. For many years, he has been closely associated with idol groups such as AKB48 and Nogizaka46, serving as the host for shows like NogiBingo! and appearing as a regular guest on AKBINGO!.
In the realm of voice acting, Okada has taken on several specific roles. He is credited with the role of Kunio Yamagata in the live-action film adaptation of Maicching Machiko-sensei, but his anime work includes a variety of guest appearances. In the long-running series Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo, he voiced characters in two episodes, playing Shakkin Kin in one and Angelina's father in another. He also lent his voice to the anime series Astro Fighter Sunred in 2009, where he played a character named Mukiebi. Other voice credits include George Takizawa in the anime Futari no Joe and a role in the 2022 theatrical anime film Guardy Girls. Additionally, he has contributed voice work to childrens educational media, such as the Tsuyoi! Ikimono Zukan series.
Beyond his voice work, Okada has an extensive career as a live-action actor and comedian. He has appeared in numerous Japanese television dramas, including We Are Supernatural Beings and Please Love the Useless Me, as well as films like the live-action adaptation of We Are Supernatural Beings and The Virgin Psychics. A notable achievement in his career is his signature comedy bit known as the high-speed tongue wag, a technique he famously demonstrated on television, which contributed to his fame during the 1990s. He is also an avid professional wrestling fan and is known for his impressions of wrestler Mitsuharu Misawa. He is represented by the talent agency Horipro.
Okada began his entertainment career in 1987 after being recognized on a talent competition. He originally performed as part of a comedy duo before adopting his current stage name in the early 1990s. Throughout his career, he has become widely recognized for his energetic comedic style, celebrity impressions, and his role as a host for various variety shows. For many years, he has been closely associated with idol groups such as AKB48 and Nogizaka46, serving as the host for shows like NogiBingo! and appearing as a regular guest on AKBINGO!.
In the realm of voice acting, Okada has taken on several specific roles. He is credited with the role of Kunio Yamagata in the live-action film adaptation of Maicching Machiko-sensei, but his anime work includes a variety of guest appearances. In the long-running series Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo, he voiced characters in two episodes, playing Shakkin Kin in one and Angelina's father in another. He also lent his voice to the anime series Astro Fighter Sunred in 2009, where he played a character named Mukiebi. Other voice credits include George Takizawa in the anime Futari no Joe and a role in the 2022 theatrical anime film Guardy Girls. Additionally, he has contributed voice work to childrens educational media, such as the Tsuyoi! Ikimono Zukan series.
Beyond his voice work, Okada has an extensive career as a live-action actor and comedian. He has appeared in numerous Japanese television dramas, including We Are Supernatural Beings and Please Love the Useless Me, as well as films like the live-action adaptation of We Are Supernatural Beings and The Virgin Psychics. A notable achievement in his career is his signature comedy bit known as the high-speed tongue wag, a technique he famously demonstrated on television, which contributed to his fame during the 1990s. He is also an avid professional wrestling fan and is known for his impressions of wrestler Mitsuharu Misawa. He is represented by the talent agency Horipro.
All Characters
- JapaneseAnime overview: Maicching Machiko-sensei