Kenji Urai

1.1. Early Life and Personal Information

Kenji Urai was born on August 6, 1981, in Tokyo, Japan. He stands at a height of 71 in ^{(181 cm)} and has A blood type. During his childhood, Urai developed a unique hobby of reading fairy tales to children. His personal skills include soccer, swimming, and kendama.

1.2. Debut and Early Career

Urai officially debuted as an actor in 2000, taking on the role of N Daguva Zeba in the popular Japanese tokusatsu television series Kamen Rider Kuuga. In 2001, he transitioned into theater, marking the beginning of his stage career by portraying Mamoru Chiba, also known as Tuxedo Mask, in the Sailor Moon Musicals. This early role established his presence in musical theater, a genre he would later become deeply associated with. Following his debut, he also briefly joined "HERO730," a temporary idol unit consisting of five actors from tokusatsu shows, though he initially felt some confusion about being part of an idol group given his previous role as an antagonist.

1.3. Agency Changes and Unit Activities

On June 1, 2008, Urai transferred his management to Candid from Office Palette, marking a new phase in his professional journey. In 2013, he co-founded StarS, a musical unit, alongside fellow actors Yoshio Inoue and Ikusaburo Yamazaki. This formation allowed him to actively engage in singing activities, leading to the release of CDs and the staging of various concerts. As a member of StarS, he collectively received the 5th Iwatani Tokiko Award Encouragement Prize, further cementing the unit's success and his standing as a vocalist.

2.1. Awards and Recognition

Kenji Urai has been recognized with several prestigious awards throughout his career, highlighting his exceptional contributions to the performing arts:

• Kikuta Kazuo Theatrical Award (2006):** He received this award for his performances in Flowers for Algernon and My Fair Lady.
• The 44th Kinokuniya Theatrical Award Individual Award (2009):** This honor was bestowed upon him for his portrayal of King Henry VI in the Henry VI series at the New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• The 17th Yomiuri Theatrical Award Sugimura Haruko Prize (2010):** He earned this prize for his roles as Alfred in Dance of the Vampires and King Henry VI in Henry VI at the New National Theatre.
• The 22nd Yomiuri Theatrical Award Best Actor Award (2015):** Urai was awarded the Best Actor prize for his work as Charlie Gordon in Flowers for Algernon and Roland in Constellations.
• The 67th Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists in Drama Department (2017):** This award acknowledged his broad range of performances in the preceding year, notably his roles in Henry IV.

2.2. Theater and Musical Performances

Kenji Urai has an extensive record of appearances in stage plays and musicals, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. His notable performances include:

• Sailor Moon Musicals (2001-2002): Mamoru Chiba / Tuxedo Mask. Performed at Sunshine Theatre and other venues.
• Would You Like Your Bento Heated Up? (2002): Theatre V Akasaka.
• Marriage Scam Co., Ltd. (2003): Tennozu Art Sphere.
• OKUNI (2003, 2005): Ichizo. Performed at Le Theatre Ginza and a special stage at Expo 2005.
• Elisabeth (2004-2010): Prince Rudolf. He reprised this role multiple times, appearing at Imperial Theatre, Chunichi Theatre, Hakataza, and Umeda Arts Theatre. He was double-cast with Park Tong-ha (2004, 2006) and Irei Kanata (2008-2009), and triple-cast with Yoshio Inoue and Park Tong-ha (2005), and Irei Kanata and Mario Tashiro (2010).
• RHYTHM RHYTHM RHYTHM (2004): Tennozu Art Sphere.
• Shakespeare's R&J (2005): Parco Theatre.
• Cinderella Story (2005): Prince Charles. Performed at Le Theatre Ginza.
• My Fair Lady (2005, 2007): Freddy Eynsford-Hill. Performed at Imperial Theatre and on a national tour.
• Flowers for Algernon (2006, 2014, 2023): Charlie Gordon. He starred in this role, performing at Hakuhinkan Theatre, The Galaxy Theatre, Nippon Seinenkan Hall, and other venues.
• Dance of the Vampires (2006, 2009, 2011-2012): Alfred. Performed at Imperial Theatre, Hakataza, and Umeda Arts Theatre. Double-cast with Yohei Izumi (2006, 2009) and Ikusaburo Yamazaki (2011).
• Burn This (2006): Larry. Aoyama Round Theatre.
• Titanic the Musical (2007): Jim Farrel. Tokyo International Forum Hall C.
• LOVE LETTERS (2007): PARCO Theatre.
• Wait Until Dark (2007): Roat. Theatre 1010.
• Kiss of the Spider Woman (2007, 2010): Valentin. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Umeda Arts Theatre.
• WILDe・BEAUTY ~Oscar Wilde, or The Happy Prince~ (2008): Oscar Wilde. Hakuhinkan Theatre.
• Rudolf ~The Last Kiss~ (2008): Puppeteer Johan Pfeiffer. Imperial Theatre.
• Carousel (2009): Billy. The Galaxy Theatre.
• Cyrano (2009): Christian. Nissay Theatre.
• Henry VI (2009): King Henry VI in the trilogy Henry VI, Part 1: The Hundred Years' War, Part 2: Defeat and Chaos, and Part 3: The Wars of the Roses. New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• Gekidan☆Shinkansen Goemon Rock 2: Rose and Samurai (2010): Charles of Boscogne. Akasaka ACT Theatre and Umeda Arts Theatre.
• Takarazuka Boys (2010): Kinzo Uehara. Theatre Creation and Hyogo Performing Arts Center.
• gargoyle (2010): Parco Theatre.
• Édith Piaf (2011): Yves Montand / Théo Sarapo. The Galaxy Theatre and Umeda Arts Theatre Drama City.
• Bedge Pardon (2011): Grimsby. Setagaya Public Theater.
• Roméo et Juliette (2011): Benvolio. Akasaka ACT Theatre and Umeda Arts Theatre.
• CHESS in Concert (2012): The Arbiter. Aoyama Theatre.
• Cymbeline (2012): Guiderius. Saitama Arts Theater and other venues.
• Recitation: What Kenji Miyazawa Conveys (2012): Setagaya Public Theater.
• Songs for a New World (2012): Theater Creation.
• Richard III (2012): Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond. New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• Gekidan☆Shinkansen Goemon Rock 3: Zipang Punk (2012-2013): Charles of Boscogne. Tokyu Theatre Orb and Orix Theater.
• Music Play: Smile of Chaplin (2013): Akasaka ACT Theatre.
• A Tale of Two Cities (2013, 2025): Charles Darnay. Imperial Theatre. Scheduled for a revival in 2025 at Meiji-za, Umeda Arts Theatre, Misonoza, and Hakataza.
• NODA・MAP MIWA (2013): Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.
• Sherlock Holmes: Secret of the Anderson Family (2014): Adam Anderson / Eric Anderson. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and on tour.
• The Big Fellah (2014): Michael. Setagaya Public Theater.
• title of show (2014): Jeff. Theatre Creation.
• Constellations (2014): Roland. New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• Bombay Dreams (2015): Akaash. Tokyo International Forum Hall C and Umeda Arts Theatre.
• Death Note: The Musical (2015, 2017): Light Yagami. Nissay Theatre and New National Theatre, Tokyo. Double-cast with Hayato Kakizawa.
• Troilus and Cressida (2015): Troilus. Setagaya Public Theater and Hyogo Performing Arts Center.
• Arcadia (2016): Valentine Coverly. Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon.
• 'Tis Pity She's a Whore (2016): Giovanni. New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• Crest of the Royal Family (2016, 2017, 2021): Memphis. Imperial Theatre and Hakataza. Double-cast with Naoto Kaiho in 2021.
• Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 (2016): Prince Hal. New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• Big Fish (2017, 2019): William Bloom. Nissay Theatre and Theatre Creation.
• Peer Gynt (2017): Peer Gynt. Setagaya Public Theater and Hyogo Performing Arts Center.
• Bullets Over Broadway (2018): David Shayne. Nissay Theatre and Hakataza. Double-starred with Yu Shirota.
• Henry V (2018): King Henry V. New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• Ghost (2018, 2021): Sam Wheat. Theatre Creation and Shin Kabukiza.
• Gekidan☆Shinkansen Metal Macbeth disc3 (2018): Random Star / Macbeth Urai. IHI Stage Around Tokyo.
• The Man Who Laughs - Eternal Love (2019, 2022): Gwynplaine. Nissay Theatre and Imperial Theatre. Some performances were cancelled in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2019): Hedwig. EX THEATER ROPPONGI and Zepp venues across Japan.
• Shakespeare in Year 12 of the Tenpo Era (2020, 2024-2025): Kijirushi no Ouji (2020) and Sado no Miyoji (2024-2025). Nissay Theatre. Local performances were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 prevention measures.
• West Side Story Season 3 (2020): Tony. IHI Stage Around Tokyo. All performances cancelled due to COVID-19. Double-cast with Hayato Kakizawa.
• Maybe Happy Ending (2020): Oliver. Theatre Creation.
• Richard II (2020): Henry Bolingbroke. New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• Two Men (2020-2021): Touma Sutou. Theatre Creation.
• Time to Love, Time to Die (2021): Theatre Tram.
• Guys and Dolls (2022): Nathan Detroit. Imperial Theatre and Hakataza. Some performances were cancelled due to COVID-19.
• COLOR (2022): I / People Who Matter. New National Theatre, Tokyo. Double-cast with Narushiha.
• Reading Play: Mashiro no Koi ~ The World's Most Beautiful Bay (2022): Keiichi Yui. Tokyo and Toyama. Double-cast with Tomoki Hirose.
• Gekidan☆Shinkansen Rose and Samurai 2: Return of the Pirate Queen (2022): Charles of Boscogne (video appearance).
• La Légende du roi Arthur (2023): King Arthur. New National Theatre, Tokyo. Some performances were cancelled due to COVID-19.
• Reading Music Play: THE STORIES ~Grimm's Fairy Tales Rapunzel~ (2023): Yomiuri Otemachi Hall.
• Pseudo Family (2023): Wataru Kinoshita. Theatre Creation.
• Measure for Measure & All's Well That Ends Well (2023): Claudio and Bertram. New National Theatre, Tokyo.
• Come from Away (2024): Kevin Tuerff / Garth. Nissay Theatre and on tour.
• Le Miracle de Montparnasse ~The Lone Painter Modigliani~ (2024): Amedeo Modigliani. Yomiuri Otemachi Hall.
• Fan Letter (2024): Kim Hae-jin. Theatre Creation.
• Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc (2025): Douma (video appearance).
• A Man (2025): Akira Kido. Tokyo Tatemono Brillia Hall.

2.3. Television Appearances

Kenji Urai has appeared in various television dramas and special programs:

• Kamen Rider Kuuga (2000): N Daguva Zeba (episodes 40-48). TV Asahi.
• Ai no 110-ban (2003): Daigoro Sakita. CBC / TBS.
• New Interpretation: Japanese History (2014): MBS / TBS.
• Blue Flame (2014): Kentaro Yano. TV Tokyo.
• MOZU: Ohsugi Detective Bureau (2015): Tsuneyoshi Sato. WOWOW.
• Mr. Nietzsche in the Convenience Store (2016): Matsukoma. Hulu, ytv (web drama).
• Love That Makes You Cry (2016): Shohei Kanbe. Fuji TV.
• Wine, Dine and Woo Me Season 2 (2016): Hideyuki Seta (episode 7). MBS.
• Unlock for Infinity (2016): Matoda (episodes 4, 5). TV Tokyo.
• The Brave Yoshihiko and The Seven Driven People (2016): Police officer (guest, episode 7). TV Tokyo.
• Idol × Warrior Miracle Tunes! (2017): Okada (episode 2). TV Tokyo.
• Tsuribaka Nisshi Season 2 (2017): Yuichiro Fujioka. TV Tokyo.
• My Middle-Aged Guardian Angel (2019): Shinto Kowatari (episode 6). TV Asahi.
• Sekai Ururun Taizaiki (#447, 2005): Explored Kushti, Indian wrestling. MBS.
• Sekai Fureai Machi Aruki (World Stroll): Unknown date.
• Saikou! Boogie Woogie Night (2003): Member of Y.M.G.A. TV Tokyo.
• Tales of the World's Most Bizarre ('16 Spring Special Edition) "Beauty Tax" (2016): Kenichi Nonomura. Fuji TV.

2.4. Voice Acting and Radio Appearances

Urai has lent his voice to various projects and maintained a presence in radio broadcasting.

His voice acting roles include:

• Kamen Rider Kuuga Special Chapter (2001): N Daguva Zeba.
• Sherlock Holmes (puppetry) (2014): Arthur Morstan.
• Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbarizing (2020): N Daguva Zeba (arcade game).
• Today's Uraken (2021): Uraken.
• Kamen Rider Battle: GanbaLegion (2023): N Daguva Zeba (arcade game).

His radio career includes:

• Urai Kenji's Dressing Room: A weekly program on Nippon Broadcasting System (AM 1242 kHz / FM 93.0 MHz), airing since April 8, 2018.
• Radio Theater ~Literature's Door: He has been a guest on this TBS Radio program eight times.
• Urai Kenji's Kokobanacafe: A web radio program on GLOWDIA Podcast, started in September 2024.

2.5. Other Appearances

Beyond his core acting and singing, Kenji Urai has engaged in other media activities:

• Commercials (CMs):
  • Coca-Cola "Olympic" (September 2000).
  • J-PHONE "Family Pack" (February-April 2001).
• Variety Shows:**
  • Saikou! Boogie Woogie Night (May-September 2003): Appeared as a member of Y.M.G.A. on TV Tokyo.
  • Sekai Ururun Taizaiki (April 17, 2005): Featured in an episode about Indian wrestling ("Kushti").
  • Sekai Fureai Machi Aruki (World Stroll): He also appeared on this travel program.

3.1. Solo Albums

Urai has released three solo albums:

3.2. Cast Recordings and Performance Videos

His discography also includes numerous cast recordings from musicals he has performed in, and his performances have been documented in video releases.

• Cast Recordings:**

• Videos:**
  • VHS:**
    • Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon - The Birth! The Princess of Darkness Black Lady
    • Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon - The Birth! The Princess of Darkness Black Lady (Revised Edition) - The Enigma of Planet Nemesis
    • Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon 10th Anniversary Festival - Sanctuary of Love
    • Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon - Mugen Academy - Mistress Labyrinth
    • Would You Like Your Bento Heated Up?
  • DVD:**
    • WILDe・BEAUTY
    • Takarazuka Boys
    • Rose and Samurai
    • Cymbeline
    • Goemon Rock 3: Zipang Punk
    • Sherlock Holmes: Secret of the Anderson Family
    • Crest of the Royal Family Ra version
    • Crest of the Royal Family Hapi version
    • Shakespeare in 12th Year of Tenpou Era
    • Kenji Urai 20th Anniversary Concert ~Piece~ at Tokyo International Forum 2021.4.20

4.1. Books and Audiobooks

Kenji Urai has expanded his professional activities to include literary works:

• Kanata e (Beyond) (August 2, 2006): A photo book released by Theatre Guide.
• Scrap and Build (July 20, 2016): He performed the narration for the audiobook version of this novel by Keisuke Hada on Audible.

4.2. Concerts and Live Events

Urai has participated in and headlined numerous concerts and live events:

• "Next Generation Musical Star Development Project" Broadway Gala Concert 2007 (January 6-7, 2007): Aoyama Theatre.
• CHESS in Concert (January 26-29, 2012; February 10-12, 2012): Aoyama Theatre and Umeda Arts Theatre.
• KENJI URAI 15th Anniversary Concert ~Wonderland~ (September 29, 2016): Tokyo International Forum Hall A. The concert was directed by Koichi Ogita.
• Death Note THE CONCERT (March 4-5, 2017; March 11, 2017): Akasaka ACT Theatre and Umeda Arts Theatre.
• Theatre Creation 10th Anniversary Concert TENTH (January 4, 2018): Theatre Creation.
• Event Fukuda Yuichi × Yoshio Inoue "Green & Blacks Public Dress Rehearsal" (September 5, 2018): Mielparque Hall, Tokyo.
• Mizuho Financial Group 30th Coming-of-Age Day Concert (January 14, 2019): Suntory Hall. He also participated in the 32nd and 33rd concerts on January 11, 2021, and January 10, 2022, respectively.
• Miyuki Nakajima Respect Live 2019 Utaen in Nakano Sun Plaza (January 31, 2019): Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo.
• Yoshio Yamaguchi Talk Show My Story - Wonderful Friends - (September 17, 2020): Guest appearance at Imperial Theatre.
• "Yoshio Inoue by MYSELF Special Live" 20th Anniversary Live Tour (April 24, 2021): Special guest appearance at Matsudo Mori no Hall 21.
• Concert "GREATEST HITS from Musical Movies" (May 15-16, 2021): Tokyu Theatre Orb.
• NHK "Sekai Fureai Machi Aruki Concert" (May 26-27, 2021): Tokyo International Forum Hall C.
• Futo Nozomi 20th Anniversary Dramatic Concert 'Look at Me' (November 10-11, 2022): Guest appearance at Umeda Arts Theatre Main Hall.
• Variety Show "THE PARTY in PARCO Theatre ~VARIETY SHOW & MY FAVORITE SONGS~" (November 13 & 20, 2022): Daily guest at PARCO Theatre, Tokyo.
• "Japan Musical Festival 2022 Winter Season" (December 27, 2022): Daily guest at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Tokyo.
• "Urai Kenji Live Tour 2023 ~VARIOUS~" (May 21, 2023; June 2-3, 2023): LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, Tokyo and Sankei Hall Breeze, Osaka.
• "Dream Caravan 2023 with Symphonic Jazz Orchestra" (January 14, 2024): Niigata City Performing Arts Center.
• CONCERT "THE BEST New HISTORY COMING" (February 14-28, 2025): Imperial Theatre.

5.1. Personal Characteristics and Hobbies

Beyond his professional life, Urai maintains several personal hobbies, including reading fairy tales to children, playing soccer, swimming, and engaging in kendama. Early in his career, after portraying an antagonist in Kamen Rider Kuuga, he expressed some surprise and confusion when he later joined "HERO730," a temporary idol unit composed of actors from tokusatsu productions, due to his "villain" background. This reflects a period of adapting to different facets of the entertainment industry.

5.2. Public and Critical Reception

Kenji Urai is highly regarded for his exceptional versatility and ability to embody a wide range of characters across both dramatic plays and musicals. His numerous awards, including multiple Yomiuri Theatrical Awards, underscore his consistent excellence and significant impact within the Japanese entertainment industry. Critics often commend his capacity to bring depth and nuance to his roles, whether in challenging Shakespearean productions or popular musicals, making him a respected figure known for his dedication and comprehensive artistic contributions.