Stand-up comedy is a fairly recent phenomenon in Japan, with the first English language comedy shows not appearing until the early 1990s in Tokyo. Now Japan boasts the full spectrum of shows, from open mic bar shows, to superstars like Dave Chapelle selling out theatres in minutes on an international tour.
Perform in Japan
Osaka
Osaka, the spiritual home of comedy in Japan boasts a purpose-built comedy club by the name of ROR Comedy. They have a regular open mic, and are typically welcoming of visiting comics who wish to perform.
Stand-up comedy is a fairly recent phenomenon in Japan, with the first English language comedy shows not appearing until the early 1990s in Tokyo. Now Japan boasts the full spectrum of shows, from open mic bar shows, to superstars like Dave Chapelle selling out theatres in minutes on an international tour.
If you are a comic who is visiting Japan and looking for stage time, it is recommended that you message show bookers at least two months before you are due to arrive. Below is a list of comedy promoters that are active in Japan.
Tokyo
There are an abundance of
Osaka
Nagoya
Kyushu
Kyushu’s first comedy show was in 2014, when 50 sweaty expats crammed themselves into the then newly-opened CC Cafe international bar. Since then, we’ve put on shows across the island of Kyushu including Nagoya, Kagoshima, Kumamoto and Kitakyushu, as well as in venues across Fukuoka. Our shows across the island are sporadic and irregular, but we try and be as accommodating as we can of visiting guests, so please contact us as far in advance as possible.
Japanese performers who perform in English
There are a number of Japanese performers who regularly perform stand-up comedy in English. Here are a few of our favourites.
Hiroshi Shimizu
Kazu Kusano
Kilara Sen
Meshida
Saku Yanagawa
Yumi Nagashima
Yuriko Kotani
Zenjiro
Stand-up comedy is a fairly recent phenomenon in Japan, with the first English language comedy shows not appearing until the early 1990s in Tokyo. Now Japan boasts the full spectrum of shows, from open mic bar shows, to superstars like Dave Chapelle selling out theatres in minutes on an international tour. Be sure to check out a show or two if you’re in the country!