I was delighted to spend time interviewing Dr. Kirk! His lively, easy-going disposition is contagious. From a Huntington Beach humble beginning to a world-class scholar, hear the engaging delivery of his story here on the CAL Talks Podcast Series. 

From his CSUSB bio:

Dr. Kirk Kanesaka is an Assistant Professor of Japanese and Asian Studies.  His specialty is in premodern Japanese literature and theater.  In particular the emergence of early modern (1603-1900) popular fiction and kabuki/bunraku theater.  In addition, because of his specialty in the performing arts, his research interests span beyond the premodern into the contemporary, examining fan culture and popular culture and their influences upon the performing and visual arts. 

Outside of academia, Kirk is the first non-Japanese citizen to become a professional kabuki actor, Nakamura Gankyō, the first male to become a professional Japanese Classical dancer of the Bando School in the United States and the first male to become a professional kimekomi Japanese doll maker of the Kyugetsu Academy in the United States.