Josh Kenji is an actor, singer, and multi-disciplinary artist, currently based in Seattle, Washington. Growing up as a queer, multicultural, third-culture kid, Josh is passionate about giving voice to underrepresented stories in all their forms. What keeps him going is leaning-into and experiencing the visceral sensations of being alive—here. now.
A little story…
My earliest memory was from when I was around two or three years old. For context—this was in Tokyo. Unexpectedly, I ended up on stage in a children’s song-and-dance number during a benefit concert. I can’t recall how I got there, but somehow, someone must’ve thought, “You know, this could use a little more pizazz. Do you know what this needs? Babies. A baby. The baby!” Honestly, I cannot remember the details.
What I do remember is this feeling of excitement, bright lights, and a sea of laughter. My whole body was shocked awake. Tingling from my head to my toes. And my entire self singularly focused on doing the thing…
All the older children knew the choreography. And I—still a baby—was desperately trying to cover up the fact that I did not. I was center-stage, holding on to life, trying to mimic every step, every gesture. I did not want to stick out! I’m sure that it was hilarious to watch because everyone in the audience was laughing at me. But something inside me clicked. I started enjoying myself.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen the VHS home video of that night, but from what I remember seeing, I was thoroughly having fun by the end of it. What stuck with me was a gut feeling. I can’t explain it, but my inner observer must’ve thought, “I think I’ll do this again….”
A lifetime later, I still occasionally think back what I experienced that night. There’s something to it that I keep chasing after...
Josh Kenji lives, works, and acts out of Seattle, WA and is available to travel for non-local work.
Contact Josh for more info.
