I will never eat pasta salad without chuckling ever again. Nor will I be able to look at the bisexual Pride flag without thinking, “Oh, that’s the Belgium flag.” After moving closer to Tokyo for two years, I felt I had made a mistake. There wasn’t much for me to do once the magic faded to everyday mundane. The reasons for taking the 20-minute train ride from Saitama to Tokyo felt pointless except for special events like concerts. And more, Tokyo is one of the most crowded and busiest cities in the world for residents and tourists. Everyone is in a rush. People densely pack the trains and feel they should accomplish something every moment. Thankfully, Shibuya has just the solution every day of the week: laughter.
Tokyo Comedy Bar celebrated its second anniversary and held the first International Tokyo Comedy Festival. Located in the heart of Shibuya, it’s quickly become a must-go-to spot whether you’re a tourist or a resident. You can catch a typical comedy showcase or open mic night any day of the week. These bring talented comedic styles from one-liners, story-telling, musical parody, and roasting.
One of the funniest and most unforgettable moments I’ve witnessed was a 30-something-year-old Japanese lady singing a parody about her boobs, accompanied by the dumbest, most unexpected, and hilarious fake strip tease imaginable.
There’s Something for Everyone
Tokyo Comedy Bar’s bigger laughs are in their monthly special shows. “Roles for Initiative” is a live Dungeons and Dragons show that requires audience participation to roll for stats, action, and outcomes. “One Night Only (O, No!)” is their special improv show where their cast makes jokes on the spot based on random prompts.
“No Bro Comedy Show” gathers the funniest women and nonbinary people in Tokyo together. “The Gay Agenda” is a celebration of all colors for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, “The Gay Agenda” celebrated tremendous success and recognition after performing a private event at GOOGLE JAPAN for their annual Pride celebration!
Need Something Harsher?
If hearing the emcee cut up the entire room or watching friends insult each other is more your style, then Tokyo Comedy Bar knows when to be mean. “Raw Comedy” is a cut-throat show. Evans Musoka (from Kenya) rips through current world events and all audience members. “Roast Battle” is always a fun night where the most experienced and meanest cast members from all their shows tear each other up in the most verbally violent and inappropriate way, then hug it out in the end. For fun twists, each battle night will have a cohesive theme, such as Friends vs. Friends or USA vs. UK.
Once or twice a month, the occasional international comedic celebrity will make an appearance. Such guests include Shalaka Kurup, London’s roast battle champion and world second-place Roast Battle League participant.
For those who speak other languages, the Tokyo Comedy Bar will surprise you with special international guests doing shows in Spanish or Portuguese. Their Japanese shows have also slowly been creeping up on the timetable to become some of the most popular productions.
They Are Always Seeking Fresh Talent
The fun doesn’t end when the shows are over. Audience members looking to try comedy for themselves can join Jon Sabay in their Saturday improv acting classes. With the class in regular attendance, they’ve begun their own showcase, which is quirky, chaotic, and charming all at once. You can dip your toes into acting or have a fun time playing pretend. It’s a great place to make friends with Tokyo locals of all nationalities. Occasionally, they host standup comedy workshops for anyone wanting to try getting on stage for open mic nights.
And They’re Always Trying to Support Everyone
Tokyo Comedy Bar is a cozy spot. The laughs don’t end, the audience isn’t shy, and everyone has a good time. But the most endearing aspect of Tokyo Comedy is when they give back. Select shows donate some profits to Tell, a free message-based lifeline support system. Tell is a mental health service for Japan’s international communities.
Tokyo Comedy Bar is in Shibuya at The Renga on the third floor and hosts a show every night. But if laughing until your gut hurts isn’t your idea of a relaxing time, J-List has a calmer solution. Our shop has the entire Studio Ghibli catalog, including their newest film, The Boy and the Heron.
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