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Higashi Sonomanma (そのまんま東, Sonomanma Higashi^?), born September 16, 1957 as Hideo Higashikokubaru (東国原 英夫, Higashikokubaru Hideo^?) in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, is a former Japanese comedian who is most known for his role in the popular game show, Takeshi's Castle and for being the governor of Miyazaki Prefecture since 23 January 2007 (as of December 2008.)

After graduating from Senshu University, Higashikokubaru apprenticed to Takeshi Kitano and became a comedian in 1982.

On January 21, 2007, Higashi was elected governor of Miyazaki Prefecture, replacing former governor Tadahiro Ando, who resigned after being arrested for bid rigging. He uses his official name (Hideo Higashikokubaru) as governor of Miyazaki.^[1]

[edit] Early life

Higashikokubaru graduated from Senshu University in the early 1980s. He entered Waseda University in 2004, majoring in local autonomy, but dropped out in March 2006.

[edit] Incidents

On December 9, 1986, Higashi was one of those who were arrested at the offices of Friday magazine, after he and other members of Takeshi Kitano's group attacked the magazine offices (among others spraying fire extinguishers) to protest against a critical article about Takeshi Kitano the magazine had written. All attackers were sentenced to 6 months in prison, suspended for 2 years.

On October 13, 1998, a manager of a so-called image club (a type of brothel) was arrested for employing underage girls. A 16-year-old employee pointed Higashi out as one of her customers. He was interrogated several times by the police, but was not indicted as he claimed he didn't know the girl was under 18. His then-wife apologized on his behalf to the Japanese public via the media, and he himself took a 5-months voluntary break from his work as an entertainer.

On 22 November, 1999 at a year-end-party held for Takeshi Kitano office employees, he kicked another participant in the head, injuring him. He was prosecuted for this, and fined, after which he again took a voluntary leave from his entertainment activity.

[edit] Personal

• Height: 171 centimetres (5 feet 7 inches)
• Weight: 59 kilograms (130 lb)
• Marital status: Divorced (Higashi and wife Kazuko Kato split in February 2006^[2])
• Hobbies: Golf, marathon running

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Movies

• Shôjo (2001)
• Getting Any? (1995)
• Shishiohtachi no natsu (1991)

[edit] Television

• Waratteru Baai desuyo! (1980)
• Owarai Star Tanjo (1983)
• Super Jocky (1983-1990)
• Takeshi's Castle (1986-1989)
• Darenimo ienai (1993)

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Miyazaki pref. page (Japanese)
• Hideo Higashikokubaru official page (Japanese)