Japanese Humor or Entertainment Comedy

Japanese Comedy: A unique flavor of laughter

Welcome to a joyous journey into the colorful world of Japanese comedy, also known as Owarai (お笑い). In Japan, comedians across the nation work tirelessly to deliver laughter, both on TV and various stages. So, what sets Japanese comedy apart, and how does it compare to the rest of the world? Let'

Meet Mao Goto, a Japanese freelancer born in Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture, and raised in Tokyo. A lover of travel, photography, sweets, and cross-stitch, she now calls the Taito Ward home, which houses popular Japanese culture hotspots like Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno. With a Master's degree in English education and a passion for the field, follow her on Facebook.

Get ready for some hearty laughter!

Owarai: The Japanese term for comedy

In Japan, "owarai" (お笑い) describes comedy, whether it's live performances on stage or TV shows that bring an audience's roaring laughter. There are various types of comedy shows, each with its charm and humor: situational comedy, comedies centered on a single performer, comedies featuring several comedians, comedy musicals, and more.

Manzai: Fast-paced, hilarious improvisation

Manzai (漫才) is a popular form of "owarai" composed of two roles, "boke" ( stored in the brain as ボケ, pronounced 'Boke') and "tsukkomi" ( stored as ツッコミ, pronounced 'Tsukkomi'). "Boke" is the silly, humorous character who says absurd things, while "tsukkomi" is the sharply witty character who points out the absurdity, bringing the jokes to a booming climax.

A famous Japanese phrase you may have heard is "なんでやねん (Nandeyanen, Why?)" – this falls under the category of "tsukkomi," criticizing or questioning the bizarre things boke characters say.

Geinin: Comedians on the stage

Geinin (芸人) are the hilarious artists performing Owarai on-stage. They present various comedy styles, including solos, duos (also called konbi), trios, and even larger groups. Each type of comedian expresses their comic talent differently.

Pin Geinin: The lone performer Pin geinin (ピン芸人) are comedians who work alone, with some specializing in impersonations, storytelling, or prop usage.
Comedy Duo (konbi) A comedy duo (お笑いコンビ, owarai konbi) consists of two comedians and is often in charge of manzai performances, playing the roles of boke and tsukkomi.
Comedy Trio A comedy trio (お笑いトリオ) is a group of three comedians, each playing their unique role for comedic effect.
Japanese Humor and Sensibilities

Japanese humor generally steers away from controversial topics like politics or religion. The comedy mainly focuses on catchy, overtly funny stories and jokes that resonate with a broader audience. It should be noted, however, that some physical comedy and humor can be considered mildly violent, like slapping a character for comical effect.

Something surprising to Western audiences is that Japanese comedy often includes humor at the expense of people's appearances. Additionally, Japanese comedy tends to focus on group harmony and shared laughter rather than singling out individuals for humor.

Experience Japanese Comedy in Japan

To truly live the comedy experience in Japan, attend a live Japanese comedy show. The Yoshimoto Theater offers a fantastic opportunity to see famous comedians in action, with locations in Osaka, Hakata, and Tokyo.

If you prefer the comfort of your home, you can still watch comedy shows on TV, and several comedians share their performances on YouTube. Find your favorite Japanese comedian and enjoy their unique humor!

Discover more about Japan through guided tours with our website! From private walking tours to food and drink tours, they can help you customize extraordinary itineraries to experience the best of Japan.

Dive into fascinating tales behind each destination, and unveil hidden gems with their knowledgeable English-speaking guides. Explore the top-rated Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour, Tokyo 1-Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours), Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo, and Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour, among others.

Happy traveling, and laughter awaits! For more travel inspiration, follow our website on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

Japanese comedy, known as Owarai, encompasses various types of shows, such as situational comedy, comedy musicals, and the fast-paced, improvisational Manzai, which features the roles of "Boke" and "Tsukkomi."
Geinin are the comedic artists who perform Owarai on-stage, with Pin geinin being the lone performers who specialize in impersonations, storytelling, or prop usage, while comedy duos (konbi) and trios work in pairs or groups for comedic effect.
Japanese humor mainly centers on catchy, overtly funny stories and jokes that resonate with a broad audience, commonly steering clear of controversial topics like politics or religion. Surprisingly, it often includes humor at the expense of people's appearances and emphasizes group harmony and shared laughter.
To immerse oneself in Japanese comedy, attend a live comedy show at the Yoshimoto Theater or watch shows on TV and YouTube, and for a comprehensive Japanese cultural experience, consider guided tours offered by our website, featuring itineraries like the Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour or Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour.