Sailor From Japan Serves With the U.S. Navy in Japan

Many people from Japan have been positive additions to American wrestling companies, including AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada, former WWE Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, and Grand Slam Champion Asuka, bringing dedication and work ethic. The same can be said for the United States Armed Forces- a sailor from Japan serves with the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Petty Officer 1st Class Kenji White, from Yokosuka, Japan, grew up next to a Navy base, which enabled him to become very familiar with the maritime service branch. White joined the Navy 16 years ago and today serves as a musician. “I joined the Navy to travel and see the world,” White said. “Being able to support myself and my family while playing my favorite instrument is an amazing opportunity.” Just like how pro-wrestlers from Japan are able to use their talents to entertain, he is able to do the same with his role as a musician in the Navy Band.

Kenji White serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, which operates with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world, giving him many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “I am most proud to say that I have been able to help out my fellow sailors, show them the ropes and help them grow their careers,” White said. “Being able to perform at bases around the world has also been amazing.”

Kenji White emphasizes that helping others is a big part of serving in the Navy. “Serving in the Navy means serving your fellow man,” he explained. “We all work together to get the mission done and help people's lives.”

Along with having a strong desire to help people, Kenji White is also a man who is filled with gratitude: "I would like to thank my wife, Clarissa, for sticking by my side and helping me be the best man I can be, I would also like to thank my command for teaching me so many valuable skills.”

Thank you to the Navy Office of Community Outreach for providing the information on Petty Officer 1st Class Kenji White that was used for this blog post.