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
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Janken Kebab: Win at rock-paper-scissors and get extra fillings at this fun Japanese kebab shop
Family Mart joins forces with legendary sumo wrestler Chiyonofuji for new Convenience Wear collection
Is Tokyo’s Odaiba, once one of its trendiest neighborhoods, becoming a ghost town? [Photos]
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
This Japanese 7-Eleven has the most expensive drinks, and item, we’ve even seen at the chain
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japanese magician’s cutting-edge performance stuns judges on Britain’s Got Talent 【Video】