Kazuya Kojima's Surprising Life! The Path from Failing a Johnny's Audition to Forming Unjash
Hello everyone!!
In this article, we will introduce the surprising life of Kazuya Kojima, the 'boke' (funny man) of the comedy duo 'Unjash'. We will unravel his eventful career, from the episode where he was voted 'No. 1 comedian who became sophisticated after moving to Tokyo' despite being from Tokyo, to his attempt to join Johnny & Associates, and his meeting with his partner, Ken Watabe.
We will get up close to the charm of Kazuya Kojima, who is still active as of 2025!
Childhood: A popular kid with outstanding athletic ability
Kazuya Kojima was born on July 16, 1972, in Hachioji, Tokyo. His father was a flooring craftsman, and he also lived in Oita for a time with his mother. At Hachioji Municipal Nibukata Elementary School, he served as captain of a strong local soccer team and was so fast that he was chosen as a relay runner. He was also good at basketball and track and field, and was respected as someone who was 'tough in a fight.' His nickname was 'Kossan,' and he was a popular boy who received Valentine's chocolates starting from the first grade.
Junior High School Days: A track-and-field boy who admired Johnny's
At Hachioji Municipal Motohachioji Junior High School, he belonged to the track and field club and ran the 1500m. He remained popular due to his athletic ability, receiving two or three chocolates on Valentine's Day. His first love was Masumi Ogawa, who later became an idol. He admired Masahiko Kondo of Johnny's and sent in his resume twice, but received no reply. He jokes, 'Even after more than 30 years, I still think they are reviewing it.' He decided to aim for a career in the entertainment industry.
High School Days: Plain days and meeting Watabe
Although he went on to Tokyo Metropolitan Hino High School, he had few friends and was a 'plain high school student.' He did not participate in school festivals or sports days, and became so unpopular that he would even stay home on Valentine's Day. He met his future partner, Ken Watabe, in his second year of high school, but ended up being a gofer for Watabe, who made him buy bread and juice. His first conversation with Watabe was an argument where he was treated like a criminal, accused of 'stealing a Jump magazine.' He became addicted to mahjong and joined the Onyanko Club fan club.
Comedy Training School Days: Forming Unjash
After graduating from high school, he did not go to university. After being rejected as an apprentice by Hiromi, he entered the Jinriki-sha training school (School JCA) in 1992. Although he was a reserve candidate, he was accepted after determining he could pay his tuition with an 80% win rate at pachislot. In 1993, he invited his high school classmate Watabe to form 'Unjash.' At the time of their debut, his expressions were stiff and he had a gloomy image, but he married former singer Shizuka Tsuboi in 2011.
Current Success: No. 1 comedian who became sophisticated!
He is active as the leader of Unjash and has become popular for his snappy 'It's Kojima!' routine. Although he was voted 'No. 1 comedian who seems to have no friends' in a survey, he was surprisingly voted 'No. 1 comedian who became sophisticated after moving to Tokyo.' The humor of him receiving this title despite being from Tokyo has become a hot topic. He is still active on variety shows as of 2025!
Summary: Moved by Kazuya Kojima's hard work and humor!
From a boy with outstanding athletic ability to failing a Johnny's audition and finding success with Unjash, Kazuya Kojima is still loved for his personality as of 2025. Which episode surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!
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