ROME KANDA / BIOGRAPHY

ROME, when translated from Japanese, means "the Dragon's Dream" . KANDA is the family name passed on to him from his comedic mentor.

Just like his name, he is no ordinary man. The descendent of both Samurai and Okinawan royalty, ROME KANDA is an extraordinary entertainer, and the one and only performer in the US carrying the yamato spirit- the true spirit of Japanese soul.

But just what is this "true spirit of Japanese soul?" It is the backbone of Japanese culture and tradition. It is the substance of the samurai's spirit. A spirit with which one would never hesitate for a moment to risk his life honorably for his master. In ancient times, this was a samurai's highest purpose, will, wish, desire, everything that is - higher than life, what is known as kokorozashi.

While on a trip to London at the tender age of nineteen, ROME began to have an idea of what his mission in life would be. As an avid fan of many British rock groups such as the Clash, the Smiths and Frankie goes to Hollywood, it had always been a dream of his to walk the streets of downtown London. It was his first time in a western country, and culture shock had set in. He noticed that while his British friends were well acquainted with all the Japanese autombile and electronics companies, they were largely unfamiliar with any other aspects of Japanese culture. While he was quite happy in being able to discuss British and American musicians and actors with his new friends, he began to wish that they would be able to relate to Japanese enteratiners with the same enthusiasm. Skip forward a few years. The place is Iowa, where ROME is studying as an exchange student. Rome happens upon a sign in the student lounge advertising an Air Guitar contest. He enters, and wins. Rome had always loved entertaining people, but this was his first taste of success. A few months later, while in Los Angeles, ROME decided to give the comedy circuit a try. Working in impersonations of famous rock stars such as Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson and David Lee Roth, ROME'S debut in a comedy club was met with a standing ovation.

It was around this time that ROME began to realize his true calling in life- his kokorozashi had been awakened. This would be to make an unprecedented foundation for the acceptance of successful Japanese entertainers in Hollywood. Rome strongly believes that this purpose of helping other Japanese actors will be his legacy and will live on long after he is gone.

That is ROME'S kokorozashi.

But wait. How can he claim that this purpose is really bigger than his life? You may wonder... ROME explains:

Samurai believed that our lives are granted by God- the only one who knows how long we shall live. Therefore, we should dedicate our lives to the elevation of humanity rather than caring only for the protection of our temporary lives. And this will be passed on until God's purpose is served. When the will is so strong and powerful, it can cause a drastic change leading to a revolution or groundbreaking transformation. History has proved this in the Meiji Imperial Restoration when the unwavering goal of radically reforming Japan was finally achieved, even after top-ruling leaders had failed and could never accomplish this in their own lifetimes"

Now ROME is committed to live each moment of this lifetime with joy and honor to fulfill his kokorozashi, to open the doors for all up and coming Japanese actors.

His higher-than-life spirit has been uplifted through his unspeakable experiences of interacting with extraordinary people. Between 1993-96, he left Japan for an around-the-world-trip in search of eternal truth. His quest brought him in unbelievably direct encounters with spiritual luminaries from as Indian guru Sai Baba to Mother Theresa of Calcutta to a Native American medicine man from the Hopi Tribe.

Since settling down in the U.S.at the end of 1999, he has been establishing himself as a distinguished figure, incorporating the spirit of the samurai into everything he does. Involved in a wide range of projects, from a leading role with the the year 2000 Grammy award winning New Jersey Symphony Orchestra's "Petrushka" to a role in the movie "Rollerball" with LL Cool J and Jean Reno, to his recent stand up comedy performances at New York's very own "Boston Comedy Club", ROME strives for excellence everything he does. From his personal life to his professional career, the techniques of Japanese tradition and martial arts (including karate, kendo, aikido, noh, kabuki, kyogen, Japanese tea teremony and calligraphy) are a part of who ROME KANDA is. Whether on stage or on the street, the samurai's spirit is always with him as he works towards fulfilling his kokorozashi.


ROME KANDA is the real deal- the true Last Samurai.

....... and now you have a chance to see him right here in the US.