All eyes are on Okinawa at the
moment, because of the Summit - which has indirectly raised the profile of some of its
famous natives, such as Max, Speed and Da Pump. Another of its residents, however, has
been flying the flag for Japan in the US as well as being a rising star here at home; his
name is Ikkokudo, and he' just taken part in the Vegas Vent Festival 2000 a huge
showcase for the world's most talented ventriloquists.
Ikkokudo, whose real name is Ikkoku Tamaki, first came to the attention of the great
Japanese public last year. His stage performances, named "Voice Illusion," were
consistently sold out during 1999 and early 2000, and his two videos - "Ikkokudo
Gekijou" and "Hitoride Ozei Live" - have been selling in the thousands. He
has also been awarded that ultimate Japanese showbiz accolade - an appearance on the New
Year's program, "Kohaku Uta Gassen."
The unexpected invite to the US came courtesy of Ronn Lucas, known in America as "the
world's best ventriloquist." After watching a video of Ikkokudo that had been sent to
him, Lucas promptly invited him to Las Vegas. "Even though I don't understand
Japanese," Lucas was quoted as saying, "I was totally charmed by this guy."
The Vegas Vent Festival took place on June 15, 2000 at the sumptuous Mirage Hotel, and
Ikkokudo's twenty-minute act marks the first time a Japanese has ever performed at that
venue. When asked whether he performed in English or Japanese, Ikkokudo's agent gave the
rather mysterious reply, "The performance is beyond language... I'm sure the audience
enjoyed it immensely."
Born in Okinawa on May 27, 1963, Ikkoku Tamaki entered the Japan Movie School in Tokyo in
1982, at first hoping to break into films. After graduating, he joined the theatrical
company Mingei, and served as an actor until "resting" in 1992 (he's
still a member). During his time there, his talent for mimicry had come to the attention
of senior actor Sakatoshi Yonekura, who gave him some invaluable coaching and advice for
the future.
He trained himself in the art of using dummies to project his voice, and launched himself
as "Ikkokudo," creating who were to be his most popular characters - the grumpy
old man "Satoru" and the bizarre birdlike creature "Kichi-Jouji."
1999 saw him make a big impact as he entered Fumio Takado's "Owarai Gold Rush"
talent competition, becoming grand champion in the May finals. He was also given the New
Face of 1999 Award by Japan's Ministry of Culture, and in February 2000 received the
Golden Arrow New Face award.
Ikkokudo; a new face, and a new voice (or rather, voices) in Japanese entertainment.
All eyes are on Okinawa at the
moment, because of the Summit - which has indirectly raised the profile of some of its
famous natives, such as Max, Speed and Da Pump. Another of its residents, however, has
been flying the flag for Japan in the US as well as being a rising star here at home; his
name is Ikkokudo, and he' just taken part in the Vegas Vent Festival 2000 a huge
showcase for the world's most talented ventriloquists. 
BIG IN JAPAN: