Noritake Kinashi works in Japan as a comedian, actor, singer and visual artist. In the comedy pair Tunnels he is the shorter side, and the duo also launched the pop group Yaen. His partner in the act is Takaaki Ishibashi. He additionally serves as executive vice‑president of the entertainment company Arrival.
Naoko Ken, born Naoko Noguchi on July 7, 1953, in Izumisato, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a Japanese singer, actress, comedian, and entertainer. She initially appeared on television at age twelve in 1965 but was not selected. Her singing career began on April 1, 1971, with the release of "Daitokai no Yasagure On'na" under Tokuma Records. She debuted as an enka-oriented singer and quickly gained popularity as a tarento (TV personality) in the mid-1970s, appearing on numerous commercials and variety shows. Her stage name 'Ken' originates from her former agency, Ken On. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Naoko Ken achieved significant commercial success with songs characterized by her unique, detached singing style, often referred to as "Naoko-bushi." Notable hits include “Guzu” (1975), "Abayo" (written by Miyuki Nakajima) which sold over 600,000 copies and reached number one on the Oricon charts in 1976, and "Kamome wa Kamome," selling over 300,000 units. She frequently appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen annually from 1976 to 1986, with a return appearance in 1993. She also starred as 'Naoko Baachan' on the 'Kakukara Kin Daiboushou' show. Naoko Ken’s career has spanned various forms of entertainment. She starred in the television drama 'Time Desu' in 1973 and had a cover version of Southern All Stars’ “Natsu wo Akiramete” which proved commercially successful in 1982, earning several Japanese music prizes. She is known for her catchphrase from Kincho insecticide commercials, "Tonde ra, shinde ra." She briefly had THE ALFEE as her backing band and Midori Nakamura has composed fifteen songs for her by 2020. Although she dropped out of Shizuoka Prefectural Misima Minami High School, she continues to work in the entertainment industry; she starred in the 2025 film 'Uooshu' and contributed to its crowdfunding campaign, donating ten times her salary. She maintains relationships with entertainers like Tamori and has mentored No Kurosawa. She is a mother of two children residing in the United States.
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.
桑野信義は日本のテレビタレントで、元Rats & Starのメンバーです。愛称は「桑マン」（桑マン）です。Rats & Starではトランペットとボーカルを担当していました。解散後はテレビコメディアンに転身し、ザ・ドリフターズの志村けんや田代まさしと共演しました。鈴木雅之のソロコンサートツアー時には、Rats & Starのリードボーカルを務めました。
Albania
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Argentina
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52
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125
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15
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Estonia
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Egypt
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Spain
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Finland
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214
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365
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Ghana
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18
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Croatia
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7
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23
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31
Israel
10
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47
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6
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136
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Korea, South
20
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Malta
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Mexico
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Norway
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Nepal
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Peru
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Philippines
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Pakistan
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Portugal
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Qatar
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Russia
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Uzbekistan
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Venezuela
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Vietnam
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South Africa
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Zimbabwe
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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.
