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.
Takaaki Ishibashi, a Japanese entertainer who works as a comedian, singer and actor, rose to prominence as half of the comedy duo Tunnels and as a member of the group Yaen alongside Noritake Kinashi.
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.
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.
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.
Tsutomu Sekine works in Japan as a comedian, singer and TV presenter. Earlier in his career he adopted the stage moniker Rabbit Sekine. He is managed by the agency Asai Kikaku. His daughter is the talent Mari Sekine.
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.
Boo Takagi performs comedy and music across Japan. He was given the birth name Tomonosuke Takagi. He also serves as a member of the troupe The Drifters.
Yo Oizumi, often nicknamed Yo-chan, is a multifaceted entertainer born on April 3, 1973, in Ebetsu, Hokkaido. He has resided in Sapporo since 1984 and graduated from Sapporo Moiwa High School. Following a brief stint at Tokyo University of Social Welfare after failing university entrance exams twice, he pursued business studies at Hokkai Gakuen University, graduating in 1996. Standing at 178 cm tall, Oizumi is represented by Creative Office Cue and Amuse. Oizumi began his entertainment career in 1995, debuting on the late-night program Mosaic nights and portraying 2nd generation Genki-kun. He co-founded the theatrical and musical unit Team Nacs with friends in 1996, a group that would later achieve national recognition. From 1996 to 2002, he starred in the popular television series Wednesday's Downtown , which reached a peak viewership of 18.6% in 1999. He also participated in the Inada Troupe from 1995 to 2004 and the musical unit FAN TAN from 1995 to 2004. His film debut occurred in Gamera 2: Attack of Legion in 1996. Oizumi’s talents extend beyond television and theater; he is a singer, songwriter, voice actor, narrator, MC, comedian, impressionist, film director, author, director, screenwriter, lyricist, and composer. He voiced Professor Hershel Layton starting in 2007 and has contributed to several Studio Ghibli films including Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle . He gained further acclaim for his roles in films like River (2003) and winning the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Actor in 2012 for Tantei wa BAR ni Iru . He has also appeared in numerous films connected to Hokkaido, including Happiness Bread (2012), Tears of Grapes (2014), and Sky Restaurant (2019), the latter winning an award at the Sonoma International Film Festival. Oizumi currently serves as the program director for SONGS since 2018, and hosted the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen from 2020 to 2022. He is also the MC for The Masked Singer Japan (2021) and will host a special anniversary broadcast in 2025. He released a compilation album, "YO OIZUMI ALL TIME BEST" in March 2024 and embarked on a recital tour culminating in a performance at Nippon Budokan. He is married to Kumiko Nakajima since May 2009, and became a father in 2011; his brother, Jun Oizumi, serves as the Mayor of Hakodate.
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
1
Armenia
2
Argentina
36
Austria
27
Australia
52
Azerbaijan
1
Bangladesh
1
Belgium
13
Bulgaria
57
Benin
2
Bolivia
1
Brazil
27
Canada
125
Democratic Republic of the Congo
3
Switzerland
17
Cote d'Ivoire
1
Chile
15
Cameroon
1
China
8
Colombia
4
Cuba
4
Czech Republic
7
Germany
188
Denmark
17
Dominican Republic
1
Algeria
2
Ecuador
2
Estonia
5
Egypt
10
Spain
74
Ethiopia
1
Finland
15
France
214
United Kingdom
365
Georgia
1
Ghana
3
Greece
18
Guatemala
1
Croatia
2
Haiti
1
Hungary
7
Indonesia
23
Ireland
31
Israel
10
India
47
Iraq
3
Iran
6
Iceland
4
Italy
136
Jamaica
1
Kenya
3
Korea, South
20
Kazakhstan
3
Lebanon
5
Sri Lanka
1
Lithuania
1
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
4
Russia
9
Saudi Arabia
4
Sweden
101
Singapore
3
Slovenia
4
Slovakia
2
El Salvador
1
Syria
1
Thailand
2
Tunisia
4
Turkey
5
Taiwan
1
Ukraine
11
Uganda
7
United States
213
Uruguay
2
Uzbekistan
1
Venezuela
4
Vietnam
1
South Africa
3
Zimbabwe
1
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.
