Chōsuke Ikariya, a Japanese comic and movie actor, served as the frontman of the troupe The Drifters, and was popularly referred to as “Chō‑san” (長さん).
Japanese Contact Us Teacher, Act Home ル Home Home First name Emi Hashino (currently) Name and read is the same) JAPANESE Home Home Kagoshima Kagoshima Prefecture Home East Kyoto Shinjuku Yamabuki High School Home Business Home Home 個人 Home Home Name Home Home Home Close Home husband JAPANESE Home Home
Fumito Tomoi (友井 史人), who entered the world on 16 December 1974 in Nagoya, Japan, is a Japanese TV presenter and businessman. He spent fourteen years residing in Lithuania and fronted the hit Lithuanian program Takeši Pilis, which adapts the concept of Japan’s Takeshi’s Castle.
Ninety‑nine, also called Nainai (ナイナイ), is a Japanese comedy pair originating in Osaka and signed with the entertainment powerhouse Yoshimoto Kogyo. The kombi, comprising Takashi Okamura as the boke and Hiroyuki Yabe as the tsukkomi, came together in 1990.
Itsuji Itao works as a Japanese comedian and actor. He performs with the duo 130R and was once part of a Downtown‑produced program. He frequently turns up for their batsu segments.
Kentarō Kobayashi works as a comedian, actor, dramaturge, theatre director and manga creator in Japan. Internationally, he is best known for directing and starring in the “The Japanese Tradition (日本の形)” videos and for portraying the Mac in the Japanese “Get a Mac” ad campaign. He performs as a member of the Rahmens owarai comedy duo. His manga series, Hana Usagi, was serialized in Young Magazine Uppers from 1999 through 2004.
Kinichi Hagimoto, a Japanese comic performer, works on stage, acts as an emcee, and oversees the amateur baseball squad Ibaraki Golden Golds, which belongs to the Japanese Baseball Association.
Masaaki Sakai, a well‑known entertainer from Tokyo, is celebrated across Japan. For English‑speaking viewers, he is most recognized as the lead actor in the TV series Monkey.
Naoko Ken, a Japanese vocalist and film actress, rose to prominence thanks to comic parts distinguished by her unique looks, while her series of torch ballads found wide appeal in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
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。
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.
Albania
1
Armenia
1
Argentina
24
Austria
28
Australia
22
Azerbaijan
1
Belgium
13
Bulgaria
31
Benin
2
Bolivia
1
Brazil
12
Canada
48
Switzerland
17
Chile
8
Cameroon
1
China
7
Colombia
2
Czech Republic
7
Germany
188
Denmark
17
Dominican Republic
1
Algeria
2
Estonia
5
Egypt
4
Spain
74
Finland
15
France
211
United Kingdom
148
Ghana
3
Greece
18
Guatemala
1
Hungary
7
Indonesia
8
Ireland
20
Israel
9
India
11
Iraq
3
Iran
6
Italy
136
Jamaica
1
Kenya
3
Korea, South
20
Kazakhstan
1
Lebanon
5
Latvia
1
Morocco
17
Myanmar
1
Malta
1
Malawi
2
Mexico
28
Malaysia
7
Nigeria
19
Nicaragua
2
Netherlands
2
Norway
12
Nepal
3
New Zealand
9
Peru
2
Philippines
35
Pakistan
7
Poland
8
Portugal
7
Qatar
1
Romania
1
Serbia
3
Russia
9
Saudi Arabia
4
Sweden
101
Slovenia
4
Slovakia
2
Thailand
2
Tunisia
4
Turkey
5
Taiwan
1
Ukraine
1
Uganda
7
United States
213
Uruguay
1
Uzbekistan
1
Vietnam
1
South Africa
2
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.
