Chris McCombs

With an intelligent yet strikingly charismatic appearance, an exceptional command of the Japanese language, and outstanding acting ability, Chris McCombs stands out as one of the most remarkable American actors working in Japan today.

After launching his career in the United States as an actor and model, Chris moved to Japan, where he has since appeared in numerous TV dramas, web series, feature films, and commercials. In addition to his acting work, he has extensive experience in narration, educational programs, and live events that make use of his native English fluency.

Quick-witted and naturally humorous, Chris excels in roles that require flexibility and strong communication skills—such as reporter or host roles. His English proficiency is of such a high standard that he can serve as a language supervisor, and his Japanese fluency allows him to perform Japanese-language scripts without the need for translation.

Drawing on his experience and communication skills cultivated in both the U.S. and Japan, Chris has also expanded into producing in recent years. As the founder of the film collective Tokyo Cowboys, he has produced numerous projects that have earned acclaim both domestically and internationally.

His first comedy series, The Benza and The Benza English, which he produced, wrote, and starred in, are now streaming in over 190 countries worldwide. In November 2022, he appeared on the main stage at Tokyo Comic Con.

In 2023, his travel show Getting Dirty in Japan was released on Amazon Prime Video. Currently, in 2024, he is in production on the feature-length gay romance film “Aichaku.”

Chris’s unstoppable momentum continues!

Born in Las Vegas, USA.

Chris began his career in acting, modeling, and musical theater during high school. After moving to Japan, he established himself as a model, TV personality, and MC. With his fluent Japanese, engaging conversation skills, and sharp sense of humor, he has appeared as a reporter on numerous TV programs and events.

Chris gained popularity as a regular “Kurofune Correspondent(黒船特派員)” on TOKYO MX’s Goji ni Muchu!(5時に夢中！), contributing to its high ratings with his unique character. Currently, he is a regular on TV Asahi’s Kodawari Navi(こだわりナビ) as “DJ Chris.”
Official site for Kodawari Navi: https://www.tv-asahipro.co.jp/works/5828

In September 2021, Chris was selected as the studio partner for the NHK Educational TV (Eテレ) English-learning program Onishi Hiroto no Eikaiwa ☆ Teiban Recipe（大西泰斗の英会話☆定番レシピ）, which aired Monday through Friday. Since April 2023, he has been appearing in skits alongside Thelma Aoyama on NHK NHK Educational TV’s Eikaiwa Feelinglish!(英会話フィーリングリッシュ！).

In 2015, Chris founded the independent film production group Tokyo Cowboys and has since focused on producing short films. He starred in the short film [NOPPERABOU], which won the Grand Prix in the 60-minute category at the Fukuoka Independent Film Festival 2015 and was also selected at the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival in New York, receiving high praise.

In 2017, Chris wrote, produced, and starred in the web series [Till Death], which was screened at film festivals worldwide. It was nominated for six awards at the Seoul Web Fest ,Chris won Best Supporting Actor award , and the one cast won Best Cast awards. That same year, Tokyo Cowboys released its first feature-length omnibus film, Wheel. At the Formosa International Film Festival in Taiwan, Tokyo Cowboys’ short film The Actor and the Model won Best Actor and a Special Screenplay Award, with Chris also serving as the producer and writer.

In 2018, Chris wrote and starred in his first comedy series, [The Benza], which won a total of 23 awards at various international drama festivals. The show became a rare Japanese indie production to be distributed on Amazon Prime Video. The spin-off series [Benza English] was later launched and expanded its viewership to 190 countries worldwide. Chris also appeared on the main stage at Tokyo Comic-Con.

Following the success of the series, the mobile game [The Benza RPG] was released in 130 countries.

In April 2023, Chris worked as an executive producer and cast member of [Getting Dirty in Japan], a travel show on Amazon Prime Video Japan, introducing unique outdoor activities that showcase Japan’s hidden natural wonders.

As of 2024, he is currently producing the LGBTQ+ romance feature film [Aichaku], set for release this year.
More info: https://en.tokyo-cowboys.com/aichaku

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Favorite Foods: Strawberries, Mexican food, curry

Dream for the Future: To star in an Academy Award-winning film!

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TV / Drama / Film / Stage
• TV Asahi Kodawari Navi - DJ Chris (2017–present, Regular)
• NHK Educational TV Eikaiwa Feelinglish! (2023–2024, Paul, Regular)
• NHK Educational TV Onishi Hiroto no Eikaiwa ☆ Teiban Recipe (2021–2023, Studio Partner)
• TV Tokyo Takeshi no Nippon no Mikata!
• NHK Minna de Nihon GO!
• NHK BS Watashi no Uchi ni wa Nan mo Nai
• Fuji TV Yonimo Kimyouna Monogatari (Opening Sequence)
• Drama Ouran High School Host Club
• NXTV Goji ni Muchuu! (Regular Reporter)
• Japan Tourism Agency COOL JAPAN Video
• Ustream Vivid Foreign Culture Shock TV (Regular MC)
• Film My Darling is a Foreigner
• Film RIVE
• Short Film Excuse Me
• Film MIRACLE: Debikuro-kun no Koi to Mahou (Carlo)
• Film Casablanca no Tantei
• Independent Film Bill & Betty (Lead)
• Independent Film NOPPERABOU (Lead)
• Independent Film Till Death
• Film Haha to Kuraseba
• Stage FAIRY TAIL
• Independent Film The Actor and the Model (Lead)
• Independent Film The Wheel (Lead)
• Amazon Prime Video The Benza (Lead/Chris, Writer, Producer)
• Amazon Prime Video Benza English (Chris, Writer, Producer)
• Amazon Prime Video Getting Dirty in Japan (Executive Producer, Cast)
• NHK BENTO EXPO (2019–2022, Semi-Regular)
• Nippon TV ZIP! (Seisei no Berabera English, English Advisor/Actor)
• Netflix Drama Followers (Michael)

Magazines / Catalogs
• Yellow Corn (Catalog)
• Straite (Catalog)
• ASICS General Apparel “Backwarm/A77”
• Club Roses Omotesando
• Nikon (Digital Camera)
• Glamorous (Magazine)
• Goa (Catalog)
• Jack Rose (Catalog)
• Mid (Catalog)
• GINZA (Magazine)
• Zexy (May Issue, “Zexy for Him”)
• HOUSTON (Catalog)

Commercials / Ads
• FUJIFILM X-T5 Concept Movie
• LINE MUSIC “LINE MUSIC Talk”
• TikTok Web Movie
• Humming Plaza VIP Wedding Ad
• Kinki Regional Transport Bureau × Shiga Prefecture “Adventure Tourism”

Music Videos / Promotional Videos
• FT Island Brand New Day
• Rhymester Walk This Way
• ViViD Across the Border
• Alice Ichibanboshi
• Kylee Never Give Up
• Girugamesh (Live Footage)
• Sonar Pocket (Live Footage)
• AISHA I Wanna Rock You
• Unicorn Butabuta
• One OK Rock No Scared
• Lecca Familia
• DJ MAKIDAI Really Into You
• Sandaime J Soul Brothers C.O.S.M.O.S. Aki Sakura

Events
• Tokyo Online City Promotion (MC, 2021)
• JOHNNIE WALKER Shinkai Black Bar (MC)
• Shiseido Integrate Fashion & Talk Show
• Lumine Machida 15th Anniversary Event
• Levi’s / Tommy Hilfiger / DIESEL / K-Swiss / Appletiser / UCC Ueshima Coffee

Educational Media / Events
• NHK Eiei GO!
• Benesse English Concert for Kids (Andy)
• Benesse Kodomo Challenge
• NHK Omotenashi no Kiso Eigo
• Sourcenext Pocketalk English Learning (Instructor)
• NHK Motto Tsutawaru! Sokuresu Eikaiwa (Jimmy)
• NHK Educational TV Shiritagirl to Manaboy (Routine Video, Director)
• NHK Educational TV Onishi Hiroto no Eikaiwa ☆ Teiban Recipe (Studio Partner)
• NHK Educational TV Eikaiwa Feelinglish! (Paul)

Narration / MC
• Ring Reef (VP Narration)
• Shufu no Tomosha Littleland (Narration)
• English Learning Material Maezono-kun & Gotada-kun!! (Narration)
• Sunstar GUM (Web Movie Narration)
• English Textbook NEW HORIZON (Narration)
• Tokyo Online City Promotion (MC)