Atsuko Okatsuka is a comedian, actor and stand-up author based in Los Angeles. In 2022, she was named one of 'Top 10 Comedians to Watch' by Variety and was chosen as 'Best Debut' in the New York Times comedy category that same year. She was also the second Asian woman to have a comedy show on HBO.
Haruka Fuwa, who performs under the name Fuwa‑chan, works as a comedian, YouTuber and professional wrestler from Japan. She’s recognized for her forthright speech and the distinctive “devil horns” haircut she sports. At present she is under contract with World Wonder Ring Stardom.
Hiroshi Inuzuka was a Japanese entertainer who worked as an actor, a comedian and a bass guitarist, and he belonged to the group known as the Crazy Cats.
The manzai duo 'Nicho Kenjuu,' affiliated with Yoshimoto Kogyo, was formed in June 1993 and first appeared as the 12th class of students at the NSC Osaka School. Their common name is 'Nichoken.' They were selected in the final round of the Grand Prix M-1 2003 and Nissin Foods 2014 THE MANZAI. Their official names are '2chō Kengun,' written in English letters, not the kanji 'Nichō Kengun.'
Kazusuke Izumi is a comedian and actor Name Saki Wada Home Home Saga Prefecture Name First name and first name Home Home NIS MUSIC HALL Showroom Top Tokyo New How to do Artistic name such as "Shinya nobori" Pen Name Next Home Close About 1 0 Change history Home Home Home More Home Gag Teaching Japanese Close Home Home
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Ken Shimura, born Yasunori Shimura on February 20, 1950, in Higashimurayama, Tokyo, was a significant figure in Japanese comedy. He initially pursued his comedic ambitions after watching comedy shows as a child and began his career in 1972. He briefly formed the duo 'Macq BomBom' with Izuyama Jun, debuting as 'Shimura Ken.' Shimura attended Tokyo Metropolitan Kurume High School, graduating as part of the first class, and worked briefly as a deliveryman and golf caddy during his school years. He was influenced by The Beatles, adopting their style of long hair and clothing. He initially sought apprenticeship by squatting at Ikaraya Chozaemon's house. Shimura joined The Drifters in 1974, replacing Chū Arai, after being a 'member trainee' since 1973. He appeared on popular comedy shows with the group from the 1970s to the 1980s. Performances such as 'Higashimurayama Ondo' in 1976 contributed to his growing popularity. Zen'in-shūgō (reaching a 50.5% viewership) and The Drifters Daibakushō (40.4%), were widely watched. After 1985, Shimura began working independently. He portrayed characters like Baka Tono-sama (Stupid Lord) and Hen na Oji-san (Strange Older Man), creating many characters and gags that became social phenomena. His comedic style was inspired by Jerry Lewis. From 1986 to 1992, he starred in Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV with Cha Katō. He hosted Shimura Ken no Daijōbu-dā from 1987 to 1993, and as specials from 2007 to 2020. He also hosted other popular shows like Shimura Ken no Shitsurei Shimaa! , Shimura Ken no Bakaden-sama , and Tensai! Shimura Dōbutsuen from 2004 to 2020 with a chimpanzee named Pankun. In 2001, he formed the comedy duo “Ken♀♂Ken” with Naoko Ken. He established his own comedy theater, Shimurakon, in 2006. Shimura consistently declined acting offers until his film debut in Railway Men (Poppoya) in 1999. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 23, 2020, and died on March 29, 2020, at the age of 70 due to pneumonia caused by COVID-19. He received the Golden Arrow Award for Entertainment in 1999, and was an honorary citizen of Higashimurayama City.
Miho Fujii is a Japanese actress, comedian, and plus-size model. Born in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, she originates from Japan and currently resides in Los Angeles, USA. Her journey began with participation in a local theatre company during high school, followed by studies at Toho Gakuen College of Drama and Music. She further pursued drama training at language and drama schools in Los Angeles, appearing in comedy shows while there. Fujii also became a plus-size model, notably among the few Asian plus-size models to gain roles in films and television. Fujii’s career reflects a multifaceted approach to performance and activism. She is described as a feminist who explores themes of love, hate, and their blurred boundaries in her solo theatre work. This work incorporates comedy, storytelling, music, and multimedia elements, often featuring explorations of daddy issues represented by a lamp symbolizing her father. Her performances address expectations surrounding beauty, sexuality, gender, and worth as a Japanese woman. She gained online attention for discussing body image, feminism, and self-worth, and is the author of a book about self-esteem. Initially, she considered a career in Japan but abandoned it due to concerns about the use of body type for humor, finding some Japanese comedy unfunny. Fujii expresses her opinions directly on Twitter, often addressing critical comments. Fujii’s work extends beyond performance and writing to include modeling and advocacy. She began working as a plus-size model approximately one and a half years ago and has since become an ambassador for various brands. She promotes the body positive movement, emphasizing that all body types are beautiful and stopped trying to lose weight after observing the success of other plus-size models. Her desire to stand out, initially fueled by a lack of perceived conventional beauty, led her to embrace humor as a tool for gaining popularity. Fujii aims to inspire younger generations and support marginalized individuals through her social media presence, believing that even small actions can lead to success. She appears on the J-WAVE program '~JK RADIO~ TOKYO UNITED' and communicates with Japanese people on Twitter.
Home, also known as Nagura Jun, is a Japanese comedian, actor, and businessman. Born in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture on November 4, 1968, he hails from a family of four brothers. His early education included graduating from Himeji Municipal Otsu Elementary School, Himeji Municipal Hiogata Junior High School, and Ichikawa High School. He began his entertainment career in 1986 with the goal of becoming an actor. Nicknamed Jun-chan and Leader, he is currently represented by Watanabe Entertainment. Nagura transitioned to comedy in 1989, initially forming a duo called 'Junkatts' with Watanabe Yoshihiko, where he performed the tsukkomi role. He joined the comedy trio Neptune in 1993, and this remains his primary activity. Neptune is known for its comedic performances, and Nagura’s role as tsukkomi has earned him recognition, including being described by Taata Woods of Bwakuden as "the number one tsukkomi in Kansai." He also demonstrates versatility through mimicking performers like Michael Jackson and occasionally portraying a female announcer, Naguratt Junko, on 'Neptune League'. Beyond his comedic work, Home has pursued various ventures. He married Watanabe Manami (formerly of Onyanko Club) on April 5, 2005, and they have two children, a son born in December 2007 and a daughter born in June 2010. In November 2010, he opened a steak restaurant called 'Steak Nagura' in Nakameguro, which operated until May 2023. He has also taken breaks from his career due to health concerns; he underwent cervical disc herniation surgery in June 2018 and took a two-month leave of absence starting August 1, 2019, related to post-surgical stress. Currently, he hosts a monthly talk show called 'Nagura no Zetsu' and serves as an ambassador for the 'TRY!THAI SELECT Campaign' since 2013, demonstrating his continued engagement in entertainment and business.
Naoki Matayoshi, a Japanese comedian who also writes screenplays and novels, secured the Akutagawa Prize in 2015 for his novel Hibana, a work that was later transformed into the Netflix series Hibana: Spark.
Terence Lee, born Yoshiteru Katō (加藤善照), is a Japanese comedian. He portrays himself as a former mercenary, alleging that he was recruited for mercenary duties in the United Kingdom and that he operated as an unusually talented sniper.
Tetsuya Morita is a comedian, singer, YouTuber, guest, entrepreneur, and actor from Japan. In the comedy unit "Saraba Seishun no Hikari," he plays the roles of "Tsukkomi" (the straight man) and "Boke" (the funny man). He is originally from Kanaoka-cho, Kita-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, and currently lives in Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. He received a bachelor's degree from Osaka Prefectural Higashimozu High School after repeating a year. He is 164 centimeters tall, has a B blood type, and his stage name is the same as his real name. He serves as the chairman and CEO of The Morito Co., Ltd., and is active as an agent for Molk, and is also a certified Molk ambassador from the Japan Molk Association.
Albania
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188
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Japan has one of the world's most distinctive comedy cultures, with a wide range of performers working across television, stand-up-style comedy, manzai, conte, rakugo, film, theatre and digital entertainment. Japanese comedy, often referred to broadly as owarai, includes many different formats and performance traditions rather than relying on a single style.
Tokyo and Osaka are major centers of Japanese comedy, with Osaka particularly associated with the country's manzai tradition. Television comedy shows and variety programs have also played a major role in making comedians familiar to audiences throughout Japan.
Japan has produced many comedians who have become major television and entertainment personalities. Well-known names associated with Japanese comedy include Takeshi Kitano, Hitoshi Matsumoto, Sanma Akashiya, Tamori, Shinsuke Shimada, Downtown, Cocorico, Sandwichman and Audrey.
Japanese comedians often work as part of comedy duos or groups rather than performing exclusively as solo stand-up comedians. Some have also become television presenters, actors, filmmakers, writers and producers, making comedy an important part of Japan's broader entertainment industry.
A newer generation of performers has also built audiences through YouTube, streaming platforms, podcasts and social media, adding new formats to Japan's established comedy traditions.
Japanese comedy includes several distinct forms. Manzai is a two-person performance in which comedians typically play contrasting roles, with one performer delivering setups and the other responding with jokes, corrections or rapid-fire comments. Conte is closer to sketch comedy, using characters and situations to create humorous stories.
Another traditional form is rakugo, in which a solo performer tells a humorous story while seated, using changes in voice and expression to portray different characters. These traditions exist alongside contemporary television comedy, improvisation and other forms of live performance.
Japanese comedians often explore everyday situations, relationships, social behavior, work and cultural observations. Wordplay, timing, exaggerated reactions and carefully developed comic characters can be important elements of performances.
Television is central to Japanese comedy culture. Variety programs frequently feature comedians alongside actors, musicians and other entertainers, while comedy competitions and special programs provide opportunities for performers to gain national recognition.
Japan also has a strong live comedy infrastructure, particularly in Tokyo and Osaka. Comedy theatres and entertainment venues provide spaces for established acts as well as performers developing their material.
Digital platforms have added another dimension to the scene. YouTube, streaming services and social media allow Japanese comedians and comedy groups to reach audiences directly and experiment with formats outside traditional television.
Whether you're interested in Japanese comedians, manzai performers, comedy duos, traditional rakugo or contemporary Japanese comedy, Japan offers a remarkably varied collection of styles and personalities.
Browse GiggleTime to discover comedians from Japan, learn more about individual performers and explore Japanese comedy alongside comedians from countries around the world.
