One of the aspects of Japanese comedy culture is "manzai." "Manzai" is a performance in which a pair of comedians engage in humorous conversation to make the audience laugh. In this article, we will introduce the style and history of "manzai."
1. The style of "manzai"
"Manzai" is a traditional performance art in which a duo engages in humorous conversation to make the audience laugh.
This involves dividing the roles between the "boke" who intentionally makes funny remarks and the "tsukkomi" who points out the jokes. It is common for comedians who perform "manzai" to wear suits when they perform. This is said to allow the audience to focus on the content of the story.
The subject matter of manzai is often related to everyday life. Manzai often involves a pre-determined performance. Sometimes the comedians will ask the audience questions, or add lines they have thought up on the spot based on the audience's reaction. In this way, the distinctive feature of manzai is that the performers not only do what they want to do, but also the audience's reaction becomes part of the performance.
"Manzai" in the western part of Japan is called "Kamigata manzai" and is distinguished from "manzai" in other regions. "Kamigata manzai" is characterized by fast and energetic speech.
2. Basic terms for "manzai"
Here are some basic words used in "manzai."
- Bokeh
"Boke" is the act of making the audience laugh by making obvious mistakes, telling jokes, or other humorous behavior. Without it, there would be no laughs, so "boke" is necessary for "manzai" to work.
- Tsukkomi
"Tsukkomi" refers to pointing out the funny parts or mistakes of the "boke". The role of "tsukkomi" is to clarify the laughing point and make it easier to convey the humor to the audience. When making a "tsukkomi", some comedians lightly tap the shoulder or head of the person who made the "boke".
- Nori
"Nori" means to match the mood and flow of the moment. One type of "tsukkomi" is "noritsukkomi." "Noritsukkomi" is when you temporarily synchronize with your partner's "boke" and then do the "tsukkomi." In other words, "noritsukkomi" is the one who does both the "boke" and the "tsukkomi" by himself.
- Furi
"Furi" is a foreshadowing that leads to the "boke". By using "furi" before the "boke", it has the effect of making the "boke" easier to understand. Furthermore, "furi" can also emphasize the unexpectedness of the "boke", making the audience laugh even more at the unexpected turn of events.
3. Common phrases heard in manzai
Here are some words that are often used in "manzai."
- Why?
"Nandeya nen" means "why" or "wrong." This word is used as a "tsukkomi" to point out something strange in a "boke."
- That's enough already
"Mou ee wa" means "I don't want to hear any more stupid stories." This phrase is used by the "tsukkomi" (comedian who makes a joke) to end a manzai comedy routine with a laugh.
The main language used in "manzai" is the western dialect of Japan, "Kansai-ben", because "manzai" developed in Osaka, which is located in the west of Japan.
4. Where can I see manzai?
Manzai can be seen in theaters called yose. Yose can be found all over the country, with famous ones in Osaka and Tokyo. Manzai can also be seen on comedy shows broadcast nationwide. In Japan, special manzai programs are aired during long holidays and at the end of the year. Once a year, there is a competition to determine the best manzai comedian in Japan, and the competition is broadcast nationwide. The comedian who wins this competition is awarded prize money and other prizes, and becomes known nationwide as a top manzai comedian. Young manzai comedians work hard, dreaming of winning this competition.
5. The history of "manzai"
Modern manzai (comic comedy) originates from a traditional Japanese performing art in which people speak congratulatory words to celebrate the New Year. This performing art began over 1,000 years ago. The main purpose of this performance was not to make people laugh. It was the same as the modern-day "boke" (comic comedian) and "tsukkomi" (comic straight man) in that it was performed by a pair of people, with roles divided between them.
Manzai, a traditional performing art, was originally performed at the Imperial Palace. It eventually spread to the general public and evolved into a form of entertainment for the masses. Manzai, a form of comedy meant to make people laugh, is said to have begun around 1922.
Around 1980, manzai became very popular, and many famous manzai comedians were active.
Nowadays, there is an increasing variety of manzai, not just those performed by pairs of two people, but also those performed by groups of three people, where the boke and tsukkomi roles are switched midway through, and which incorporate theatrical elements.
"Manzai" is a form of Japanese comedy culture that is loved by people of all ages. Learn Japanese and discover just how entertaining Japanese manzai is!
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