Jack Kennedy of Yanagase Pro Wrestling Enters the Acting World

In the Japanese media, the unexpected often intersects with the familiar, creating very interesting situations. And this was the case when Jack Kennedy of Yanagase Pro Wrestling took a surprising turn by appearing in the historical drama "Boogie Woogie" on NHK. Airing last week, the 71st episode of "Boogie Woogie" titled "We're Free", features Jack Kennedy portraying the character of Sam, an American soldier. The setting is January 1945, five months since the end of the war.

Being a wrestler who was trained to wrestle in Japan, Jack Kennedy was trained by many Japanese wrestlers, so he developed a cultural understanding that made him a perfect fit for his role on "Boogie Woogie". Production Supervisor Toshitake Fukuoka praised Kennedy's performance, highlighting his blend of Japanese and English, and Fukuoka also commented that Kennedy exudes kindness, and commended his humbleness and seriousness, qualities that likely helped Kennedy showcase his acting abilities while portraying Sam.

While an accomplishment for Jack Kennedy, his appearance on "Boogie Woogie" was also an accomplishment for Yanagase Pro Wrestling. Kennedy being both a wrestler and an actor demonstrates the diversity of YPW, which combines the traditional Japanese style of wrestling with the American wrestling style. This newfound attention can help broaden the promotion's reach, as YPW continues to broadcast shows on TwitCasting, a livestreaming service based in Japan that has over 33 million registered users worldwide. For YPW, this connection to the world of historical drama is an opportunity to showcase their wrestlers' versatility and expand their reach further than ever, as the world outside of the wrestling industry is reminded that wrestling is not just about athleticism, it's also a platform for cultural exchange.

In my opinion, Jack Kennedy's entry into the acting world was not a one-time situation. Along with writing for Japanese companies during my time in Japan (which has included Yanagase Pro Wrestling), I have also been teaching English to Japanese students, and many of my students who watch NHK dramas took note of Kennedy's "Boogie Woogie" appearance. "Do you know Jack Kennedy of Yanagase Pro Wrestling?" has been a common question as of late. So I'm sure that his appearance gained Kennedy enough attention and appreciation from a wider audience to open doors for future acting opportunities.

As Jack Kennedy continues his journey, Kennedy's appearance on "Boogie Woogie" will remain a notable chapter in his story as a reminder that the boundaries between different worlds are often thinner than they seem, and the unexpected can lead to enriching experiences and meaningful connections.