His ability to create insult with so much amiability makes all the humour entertaining
Presented by: Takashi Wakasugi
Reviewed: 1 March, 2024
Takashi Wakasugi has been quietly observing Australian folk since moving to Melbourne over five years ago. Having first visited Sydney as an exchange student in 2012, upon returning home, he became part of the English comedy scenes in Osaka and Tokyo.
Since returning to Australia, and told to the audience with much affection, he humorously recounts the many impressions he has formed thereafter. As recipient of the Directors’ Choice Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2023, he is fast gaining recognition as a comedic talent.
I was unsure whether I would be able to fully enjoy this show having never been to Japan and only knowing some aspects of Japanese culture. However, Wakasugi, aka Japanese Boy Takashi, considers this; at times where I may not have been able to grasp the full intent of a joke, he explains to all audience members the inner thoughts of a Japanese person. More specifically, how they likely differ from those of Australians.
In this way, I was able to learn more about Japanese culture and their customs, as well as some interesting traditions such as a love of KFC at Christmas time. The set however was not solely focused on cultural differences and his experiences as a Japanese person in Australian society.
There was a great narrative on everyday situations where we all think alike regardless of our upbringing. Japanese Boy engages with the audience on many of these aspects of daily life, such as how we all eat leftover pizza. What I found lovely about his show was that at no point when paying out audience members was he overly affronting as he has such a kind disposition.
Occasionally there was difficulty hearing some of his questions to the audience or his narratives. Without hearing the lead up, it did affect my ability to appreciate all of his set. The parts with the use of a screen to show photos was a nice visual enhancement, and he finishes with a set of humorous haikus. Japanese Boy as a comedian is unique and refreshing.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
Venue: Basement Bar at Hotel Richmond
Season: Fri, 01 Mar – Sat, 09 Mar
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: $27.00
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/japanese-aussie-by-takashi-wakasugi-af2024
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