We introduced our readers to the “dance-ish” performer Kenichi Ebina when he first appeared on the popular NBC performance program America’s Got Talent earlier this year and summarized The Matrix in a 90-second dance routine. We knew then that he was something special, but little did we know he would go on to take the top prize, becoming not only the first Japanese but also the first dancer to do so.
About 75,000 people audition for a place on the show, and when he first appeared, the judges didn’t seem that impressed. By the time he finished performing his Matrix piece, though, the judges and audience alike were on their feet, cheering. The video was posted on YouTube and viewed over 16 million times!
Ebina went on to wow audiences this season with a video-game-like virtual reality performance, a face-off with himself, and other mind-bending concepts. Finally, it was down to Ebina and comedian Taylor Williamson, but a final performance that would have done Michael Jackson proud scored him the top spot, 1 million US dollars, and a headline Vegas show, not to mention some serious bragging rights.
On a Japanese TV program following his win, Ebina said, “I was so happy. I’ve appeared in several competitions, but this one was a whole other league. I was shocked to win.” He also said he wanted to bring together some of the other amazing performers in Japan for his show and expressed a desire to participate in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.
Now there’s something we can all look forward to!
Check out the video below to see all of his AGT performances.
America’s Got Talent winner Kenichi Ebina in charge or upcoming Captain Tsubasa stage show
Japanese comedian baffles, amazes judges on America’s Got Talent with weird dance, Japanese humor
Travis Japan, the hot Japanese boy band winning hearts through America’s Got Talent【Video】
The kid’s got moves: Tiny dancer wows audiences on Chinese talent show 【Video】
Japanese dance group combines the traditional and modern with cool “Asia’s Got Talent” performance
Survey finds that one in five high schoolers don’t know who music legend Masaharu Fukuyama is
We tried six Japanese burger chains’ coffee to test the state of fast food coffee in Japan[Taste test]
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Starbucks Japan complexly raises prices, will now charge for takeout bags
Top 30 tourist sites in Japan: the most popular sightseeing spots for overseas visitors
We order a ridiculously long, thin serving of soft serve ice cream, get a big surprise instead
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Osaka establishes first designated smoking area in Dotonbori canal district to fight “overtourism”
Studio Ghibli Denies Live Action Adaptation of Kiki’s Delivery Service, We Dream Up Other Possible Ghibli Adaptations
Saitama is home to the best strawberries in Japan that you’ve probably never even heard of
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Sakura Totoro is here to get spring started early with adorable pouches and plushies
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japanese magician’s cutting-edge performance stuns judges on Britain’s Got Talent 【Video】
Japan’s Got Talent is coming to screens in 2023 with legendary Japanese comedian as judge