James was born in Yokohama, Japan, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and bustling port, and spent his formative years in rural Yamagata, a picturesque prefecture nestled in the heart of Japan's mountainous regions, where he was exposed to a unique blend of traditional and modern influences that would later shape his artistic sensibilities.
As he navigated the pivotal stage of his life, James made the bold decision to relocate to the United States, a country renowned for its melting pot of cultures, after completing his high school education, marking the beginning of an academic journey that would take him to the esteemed institutions of Wheaton College and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
At Wheaton College, James earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature, a field that allowed him to delve into the complexities of the human experience and explore the ways in which language and narrative can shape our understanding of the world.
His academic pursuits continued at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting and directing, a program that provided him with the technical skills and artistic vision necessary to bring his creative vision to life on stage and screen.
Throughout his academic journey, James was exposed to a diverse range of artistic and intellectual influences, from the works of renowned playwrights and novelists to the theories and philosophies of leading thinkers and creatives, which would later inform his own artistic practice and approach to storytelling.
James, a multifaceted artist, has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, boasting a diverse array of credits that showcase his remarkable talent and versatility.
While he may be most recognizable for his captivating portrayal of Robert Minoru in Marvel's popular television series Runaways, James has also left an indelible mark on the world of theater, originating numerous roles on and off Broadway.
Some of his most notable performances include standout appearances in productions such as Sarah Ruhl's poignant and thought-provoking drama The Oldest Boy, Richard Greenberg's Tony Award-winning play Take Me Out, which took home the prestigious award in 2003, as well as A Naked Girl on the Appian Way, John Guare's A Few Stout Individuals, and Julia Cho's Durango.
James's remarkable stage career is merely the tip of the iceberg, as he has also made a profound impact on the literary world, having successfully translated an impressive array of award-winning contemporary Japanese plays into English, as well as providing subtitles for numerous major Japanese studio films.
Through his collaborative efforts with Japanese artists, James has consistently demonstrated his impressive linguistic and cultural fluency, resulting in a diverse range of projects that showcase his remarkable ability to bridge the gap between cultures and languages.
His numerous translations and subtitles have not only introduced Japanese literature and cinema to a wider audience but have also helped to foster greater understanding and appreciation between nations, solidifying James's position as a respected and accomplished cultural ambassador.
James has demonstrated his remarkable adaptability by exploring a new creative avenue, namely filmmaking, with his inaugural endeavor being the 2011 cinematic production Lefty Loosey Righty Tighty, which garnered the esteemed Best Feature award in the DIY film competition at the distinguished Northside Festival, a highly regarded and popular event that takes place annually in the vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
James has consistently showcased his unwavering commitment to the world of arts by masterminding and orchestrating the profoundly impactful theater benefit "SHINSAI: Theaters for Japan", which took place on March 11, 2012, to commemorate the solemn one-year anniversary of the catastrophic disasters that ravaged Japan. This extraordinary event, a testament to the transformative power of art, brought together nearly 100 theaters from around the globe, serving as a poignant reminder of the capacity for art to unite people in times of crisis and tribulation.
James's personal life is marked by a profound passion for the martial arts, as evidenced by his impressive collection of black belts in both judo and aikido, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of physical discipline and self-improvement.
As a martial artist, James has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to honing his skills and perfecting his craft, a trait that undoubtedly informs his artistic endeavors and provides a unique perspective on the creative process.
It is little surprise, therefore, that James's artistic pursuits are informed by his martial arts background, as the discipline and focus required to achieve black belt status in two distinct styles have undoubtedly shaped his artistic vision and approach.
Through his martial arts training, James has developed a keen sense of self-awareness, discipline, and physicality, all of which are likely to inform and enrich his artistic output, as he brings his unique perspective and skillset to his creative work.
