Humor is a great form of communication that can help to break down barriers across cultures. Each country has its own preferred comedy styles, and Japan is no different. Although the country hasn’t produced a huge number of global comedy stars, Japanese humor is valued as a distinct form by many comedy connoisseurs. If you’re an expat unfamiliar with Japanese comedy, it’s worth delving in. Here’s a brief overview.

Comedy as an Art-form in Japan

Comedy in Japan is a varied art-form. While stand-up is not quite the big thing in Japan as it is in countries such as the UK and the US, humor permeates many TV shows, dramas, films, and animations, and Japanese people in general place high value on laughing, which is seen as having bonding and healing properties.

Although not as well-known as an export as the likes of cuisine, animation, or national sports, Japanese comedy has a rich history that’s worth investigating if you like a laugh. Physical comedy and slapstick are particular favorites, but Japanese comedy goes beyond mere silliness.

Popular Styles of Comedy in Japan

You can find many different styles of Japanese comedy, with the most popular types including:

  • Manzai: This is a double-act format much loved in Japan for a long time, consisting of a silly character and a straight character performing largely physical routines.
  • Rakugo: A more narrative and thoughtful comedy style with similarities to some forms of stand-up, it involves one person – often kneeling on a cushion and dressed in traditional Japanese attire – telling a funny story or monologue.
  • Kyogen: Comic theater usually involving around two or three characters acting out short tales, using a mix of slapstick and satire.

Other comedic styles you may find include gentle satire, self-deprecating humor, absurdism, and clever puns or wordplay. However, blue humor and aggressive styles of comedy that cruelly mock people tend not to go down so well.

Famous Comedians in Japan

Some of the best-loved Japanese comedians past and present include:

  • Hitoshi Matsumoto: one half of the popular manzai duo Downtown and the creator of Documental (better known worldwide as LOL: Last One Laughing).
  • Takeshi Kitano: Acclaimed actor and filmmaker who also has a background in comedy performance.
  • Sanma Akashiya: Well-known TV presenter who is considered one of the most influential figures in Japanese comedy in the last 50 years.
  • Ken Shimura: One of the godfathers of modern Japanese comedy who died in 2020. His slapstick style led him to be called “Japan’s Robin Williams”.

TV Comedy in Japan

Here are some of the most popular comedy TV shows in Japan:

  • Gaki No Tsukai: Much-loved and long-running variety show hosted by Matsumoto and his comedy partner Masatoshi Hamada. The full title is Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!
  • My Boss My Hero: TV comedy drama series from 2006, based on the 2001 South Korean movie of the same name, following a 27-year-old high school dropout forced by his business boss father to return to high school and graduate.
  • One-Punch Man: Satirical superhero manga and anime series currently showing its third series on Netflix.

Ogiyoshisan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons