Kirk Kanesaka

Kirk Kanesaka is a kabuki actor, Japanese classical dancer, scholar, and assistant professor of Japanese and Asian Studies at California State University, San Bernardino. Recognized as the first non-Japanese professional kabuki actor, he bridges Japanese cultural heritage with modern performance practice, introducing audiences in the U.S. and beyond to the power and artistry of kabuki theatre.

His teaching and research explore Early Modern (1603-1868) Japanese popular fiction, Japanese theatre, kabuki performance, noh, bunraku, intercultural performance, and traditional Japanese aesthetics. At CSUSB, Dr. Kanesaka offers courses on Japanese literature, Asian performance traditions, and global theatre history, Asian Pop Culture, and Anime, inspiring students to engage with both the academic and performative aspects of cultural storytelling.

In addition to his academic work, he is an active performer, lecturer, and workshop leader, presenting kabuki demonstrations, Japanese performance workshops, and public talks at universities, museums, and cultural organizations worldwide. His performances and lectures highlight the living tradition of kabuki theatre while also addressing its evolving role in contemporary society.

Dr. Kanesaka’s scholarship focuses on Japanese theatre history, performance studies, intercultural performance, and the transmission of traditional arts across cultures. He has published and presented internationally, contributing to the understanding of how kabuki and Japanese performance traditions continue to resonate globally.

Kirk has earned his shihan, or Professor's degree from the Bandō School of Japanese Classical Dance, earning the professional name of Bandō Hirohichirō. He is also a professional Japanese doll artist, earning his gago, or Master Artist name of Kyūkyōka from the Kyūgetsu Doll Academy, as well as earning his professor's degree from Mataro Doll Academy.

For his outstanding choreography, he was nominated by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle in the category of "Choreography" for East West Players' Production of Pacific Overtures (2024) along with the modern choreographer.  

Kirk currently serves as the Coordinator for the Asian Studies Program at CSUSB.