If you want to know the first thing about Japanese humor, then you have to get to know Ken Shimura. He started off as part of a five-man show called the Drifters; later, two branched off to become Kato-chan and Ken-chan, an iconic comedy duo from the 80s, more famous and influential than Beat Takeshi to most mainstream Japanese. Ken Shimura was always the pack leader. Deceptively good looking but outrageously silly and politically incorrect, he mass marketed below-the-belt jokes, inappropriate slapping, and the unique blend of traditional Japanese and contemporary Japanese and Western influences. He also spearheaded some of the most famous Japanese TV memes ever, like "Daijobu da" and "Henna ojisan."
Here's a video of one of his more famous skits, a hilarious Thriller parody that ends with Henna ojisan. More videos after the jump.
This song is famous, and will up your Japanese joke cred. It goes
through the days of the week and calls them nonsensical noises. One of the common themes in Shimura's TV shows was to have comedians
dress up as sumo wrestlers or as little school kids and do dirty skits
or silly dance moves. Back then, female celebrities were more open to
looking ridiculously funny on TV, not just glam and cute the way they
are now. And yes, this was long before cosplay became a national phenomenon.
There's a very raw, SNL-like feel to his performances.
Shimura is almost 60 now, but he is still wandering around Japan making people laugh. If you're Japanese-literate, you can read about his daily life on his blog.
Related stories:
My below-the-belt prank tutorial
Talking celebrity cell phone straps
I remember when I was little my mom would watch him and we would both die of laughter.
I remember an episode where Kenchan and his main leading lady were doing a skit about exercising before you go to sleep. I just remember it being HILARIOUS.
GUH I can't believe you posted this, I'm so happy.
Posted by: Risachan | July 24, 2008 at 12:20 PM