Sometimes, being a foreigner is all you need to get a laugh in Japan. It is as though your every word is golden, and your co-workers marvel at your slightest action. Then there is the rest of the time, which is probably most of the time. In these moments you may find that you are the only one in the room who is not in on the joke. It was moments like these when I found myself wishing that someone would give me a clue. After two years of extensive research spent sitting on the sofa and watching Japanese television I believe that I have found that clues.

Before I get into the heart of this essay I should probably warn you: my big discovery is not really that big of a deal. A person can observe it in action everyday on television or even during conversations at their school or office. Furthermore, the concept is not unique to Japan. In fact it has been used in Western countries for tens, if not thousands of years. The concept, which many of you may already be familiar with, is that of the two-person, manzai team.

While the manzai style is rarely ever used in Western countries these days, it was perhaps first made popular by Western comedy pairs like Laurel and Hardy or Abbott and Costello. This style is based on a two-person pattern where both people have separate and unique roles to perform. The first role is that of the bokke, or ‘dimwit’ as it is called in English. The bokke gets most of the big laughs by saying half-witted or otherwise foolish things. The second role is that of the tsukkomi. The tsukkomi contrasts the foolishness of the bokke by playing a more sensible role. They also act as a go-between by pointing out the obvious senselessness of the bokke to the audience. When performed by professionals, this style can be used for great comic effect. In Japan, it can even be seen being used by regular people in everyday conversation.

In modern-day Japan, the manzai style appears to be in its prime. Comic pairs who practice this style are called konbi, taken from the English word combination. These manzai konbi appear regularly on television and rank among the most famous celebrities in Japan. In addition, there is a long line of new konbi waiting for their chance to hit the big time. Although there are many famous and popular konbi in Japan, some of the top groups include Ninety-nine, London Boots, and Cream Stew. Despite the fact that men usually command most of the attention in the highly-competitive world of manzai, several all-female groups like the ever-popular Othello have also attained a great deal of success.

Whereas, in many Western countries the solo, stand-up comedian tends to be the standard, the comic duo reigns supreme in Japan. Understanding the phenomenon of the manzai konbi is important to understanding modern, Japanese, pop culture. Konbi duos can be seen appearing on shows ranging in topic from sports fashion, cooking, travel or just about any other type of program imaginable. In addition, watching manzai is a great way for foreigners to improve their Japanese and understand the Japanese sense of humor. Who knows? Maybe one day one of us will even hit it big as the first foreigner in the world of Japanese manzai konbi.

Originally appeared in The Tombo Times, Oct ‘04.