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Kanji Ishimaru, born on August 15, 1965, in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, and raised in Ichihara, Chiba, is a multifaceted performer renowned as an actor, singer, and host. He began his journey in the arts at a young age, exploring various musical instruments during his school years and ultimately studying the saxophone at Tokyo Music University. However, after hearing classical vocalist Jessye Norman, Ishimaru switched his focus to vocal music, leaving Tokyo Music University for Tokyo University of the Arts. He made a pivotal career move by joining the prestigious Shiki Theatre Company at the age of 25, where he debuted in "The Phantom of the Opera" as Viscount Raoul de Chagny. Over the next 17 years, he became a leading figure within the company. Post-Shiki, Ishimaru expanded his artistic reach into television and film, participating in notable projects like the NHK Special Drama Shirasu Jiro and the film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Celebrating two decades in the entertainment industry in 2010, Ishimaru launched his solo singing career with his first album kanji ishimaru followed by his first concert tour. His role as branch manager Masaru Asano in the 2013 hit drama Hanzawa Naoki brought him widespread acclaim. In 2024, he returned to the music scene with his latest album release with Friends.
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