Naomi Watanabe

Naomi Watanabe made her debut as a comedian in Japan in 2007 and quickly gained notoriety for her impersonation of Beyoncé, which garnered her the affectionate nickname the “The Japanese Beyoncé.” She has since captivated audiences around the world with her viral performances and hilarious celebrity impressions, showcasing her talents as both a performer and a creator of original comedy. Since moving to New York City in 2021, Watanabe produced and hosted the comedy podcast "Naomi Takes America” and embarked on a seven-city tour with the show. In 2024, she hosted a one-night stand-up special at the Gramercy Theater – Stand Up with Naomi Watanabe” that sold out within minutes, requiring the venue to add a second performance, which sequentially sold out. Next, Naomi will be lending her voice to Disney/Pixar in the upcoming animated film ELIO and will be hosting a solo sketch comedy show in Japan.