- There are many famous Japanese comedians on TV. Name one. Tell me 3 things you know about this person (e.g. Where/when was he/she born? When/How did he/she become famous? Why has he/she been successful?)
- Do you like this comedian? Why?
- What types of comedy do you like?
- Who is the funniest comedian you have ever seen (live, on TV, or in a movie)?
- Comedians often have tragic lives or backgrounds. Tell me about a comedian from your country who has died young or had a tough life.
- Do you have a good sense of humor? Why?
Question 1
Takashi Okamura. He is one half of the comedy duo Ninety-nine, working for the entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo. Hiroyuki Yabe, the other member of the group, acts as the straightman while Okamura plays the stooge. The duo formed in the year 1990. In late 2020, Okamura got married with a long-time friend of twelve years.Question 2
I guess I like him. Since my Japanese language ability is quite poor and since comedy tends to be a cultural thing, I don't really understand Japanese humour. That said, there are certain things that transcend language and culture that everyone can appreciate as being funny, such as a good old slapstick pie to the face. Despite my lack of understanding, I can appreciate that Okamura is a funny person. It's also obvious that he has a lot of energy and enjoys what he does. He seems like a very likeable guy.Question 3
I appreciate all forms of humour. At least, nothing comes to mind that I don't like. Although I enjoy comedy movies and TV sitcoms, my favourite type of comedy would have to be stand-up. Somebody alone on stage, entertaining the crowd with their words and their wit is an amazing thing. You need to be a good story teller and a good impersonator, you have to be capable of physical comedy and mime, and you need to be able to improvise when necessary. It really is an art form.Question 4
Dave Chappelle has got to be one of the greatest comedians – if not, the greatest – of all time. He is funny, no question. But he is also clever, he is honest, and he is insightful. He is has a lot to say that is worth listening to and he is consistently entertaining. Any time I hear he has put out a new special, I rush to find it online and watch it as soon as I can. I have never been disappointed by any of his shows that I have seen.Question 5
Eurydice Dixon was an Australian comedian who was killed in 2018. She was only twenty-two years old at the time of her death. Had she died in an accident or because of some illness, that would be bad enough. Sadly, horribly, she was murdered on her way home after a comedy show one night. She was by all accounts a popular and talented up-and-comer in the comedy scene.Question 6
I don't think this is a question anyone can really answer about themself. Sure, I think I have a pretty good sense of humour. You'd have to ask what my family and coworkers think though!Tough Vocabulary
| - English - | - Japanese - |
|---|---|
| conglomerate | コングロマリット |
| stooge and straightman | ボケとツッコミ |
| transcend | 超越する |
| slapstick | ドタバタ |
| come to mind | 呼び戻す |
| impersonator | なりきる人 |
| mime | パントマイム |
| insightful | 洞察力のある |
| time of death | 死亡時刻 |
| by all accounts | どう見ても |