Learn about Japanese comedy ”漫才” (manzai)

One of Japan's comedy cultures is ”漫才” (manzai). ”漫才” (manzai) is a comic dialogue performed by a pair of comedians to make the audience laugh. This article introduces the ”漫才” (manzai) style and the history of ”漫才” (manzai).

１.　Style of ”漫才” (manzai)

“漫才” (manzai) is a traditional art form in which a duo makes an audience laugh by having a comical conversation. This is done by sharing two roles: ”ボケ” (boke) who deliberately says or does something funny, and ”ツッコミ” (tsukkomi), who points it out. Comedians usually perform “漫才” (manzai) in suits. This is said to allow the audience to concentrate on the content of the story.

The subject matter of “漫才” (manzai) is often related to everyday life. “漫才” (manzai) is often a performance of predetermined contents. Sometimes the comedian will ask questions to the audience, and sometimes he or she will add a few lines of dialogue based on the audience's reaction. Thus, the characteristic of “漫才” (manzai) is that the performers not only do what they want to do, but the audience's reaction is also a part of the performance.

In the west of Japan, ”漫才” (manzai) is called 上方漫才” (kamigata manzai) and is distinguished from ”漫才” (manzai) in other parts of Japan. 上方漫才” (kamigata manzai) is characterized by fast and vigorous speech.

２.　Basic words of ”漫才” (manzai)

Here are some basic words used in “漫才” (manzai).

• ボケ(boke)

“ボケ” (boke) is the act of making the audience laugh by saying or doing something funny, such as making a blatant mistake or making a joke. Without it, there would be nothing to laugh at, so “ボケ” (boke) is a necessary part of ”漫才” (manzai).

• ツッコミ (tsukkomi)

“ツッコミ” (tsukkomi) is the act of pointing out the funny or wrong part of ”ボケ” (boke). The role of “ツッコミ” (tsukkomi) is to clarify the point of laughter and make it easier to convey the fun to the audience. Some people tap their ”ボケ” (boke) partner lightly on the shoulder or head when they do “ツッコミ” (tsukkomi).

• ノリ (nori)

“ノリ” (nori) means to adjust to the atmosphere and the flow of the situation. There is a kind of ”ツッコミ” (tsukkomi) called ”ノリツッコミ” (noritsukkomi). ”ノリツッコミ” (noritsukkomi) is to do ”ツッコミ” (tsukkomi) after temporarily agreeing with ”ボケ” (boke) of the partner. In other words, the performer for ”ノリツッコミ” (noritsukkomi) does both ”ボケ” (boke) and ”ツッコミ” (tsukkom) by himself/herself.

• フリ (furi)

“フリ” (furi) is the underline that leads to”ボケ” (boke). This has the effect of making ”ボケ” (boke) easier to understand by “フリ” (furi) before ”ボケ” (boke). In addition, “フリ” (furi) can also emphasize the surprise of ”ボケ” (boke), which makes the audience laugh even more at the unexpected developments.

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3.　Phrases often heard in “漫才” (manzai)

Here are some phrases often used in “漫才” (manzai).

• なんでやねん (nandeya nen)

“なんでやねん” (nandeya nen) means “why” or “you are wrong.” This word is used as ”ツッコミ” (tsukkomi) to point out the funny parts of ”ボケ” (boke).

• もうええわ (mō ē wa)

“もうええわ” (mō ē wa) means “I don't want to hear any more nonsense.” This word is used by ”ツッコミ” (tsukkomi) people who end ”漫才” (manzai) with laughter.

The main phrases used in “漫才” (manzai) is ”関西弁” (kansai-ben), the western dialect of Japan. This is because “漫才” (manzai) developed from Osaka, located in the western part of Japan.

4.　Where can you see “漫才” (manzai)?

“漫才” (manzai) can be seen in theaters called ”寄席” (yose). The ”寄席” (yose) theaters are located all over Japan, and famous ones are in Osaka and Tokyo. In addition, “漫才” (manzai) can be seen on comedy programs broadcast throughout Japan. In Japan, special “漫才” (manzai) programs are broadcast during long vacations and at the end of the year. Once a year, there is a contest to select the best “漫才” (manzai) performers in Japan, and the contest is broadcast nationwide. The winner of the competition will receive prize money and other prizes, and will become known nationwide as leading “漫才” (manzai) performers. The young “漫才” (manzai) comedians are working hard to win the competition.

5.　History of ”漫才” (manzai)

Modern ”漫才” (manzai) comes from the traditional Japanese art of speaking New Year's greetings. This art started more than 1000 years ago. This was not about making people laugh. Just like the modern ”ボケ” (boke) and ”ツッコミ” (tsukkomi), two people worked in pairs and share roles.

”漫才” (manzai) as a traditional performing art was originally performed at the Imperial Palace. Before long, it spread to the common people and changed to popular entertainment. ”漫才” (manzai) for making people laugh is said to have started around 1922.

Around 1980, ”漫才” (manzai) became very popular, and many famous ”漫才” (manzai) performers were active.

Today, ”漫才” (manzai) is not limited to the one performed by a group of two people, but also various ”漫才” (manzai) shows are increasing, such as ones by a group of three people, ones of ”ボケ” (boke) and ”ツッコミ” (tsukkomi) being switched in the middle, or theatrical ones.

“漫才” (manzai) is one of the most popular forms of comedy in Japan and is loved by people of all ages. Learn Japanese and discover the fun of Japanese “漫才” (manzai).

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