Understanding Japanese Humor: Vulgarity, Culture, and Comedy Styles

Japanese humor is known for its unique approach and style, often drawing from specific cultural contexts and traditions. Unlike Western humor, which can sometimes be considered vulgar or crude by certain standards, Japanese humor may find its wit in situations that might seem uncomfortable or uncommon to outsiders.

What Defines Japanese Humor?

Japanese humor is often perceived to come from Osaka, where the distinct Osaka speech patterns add an extra layer of humor and playfulness. One notable example is the TV series Daijoubu Da, which poke fun at various personalities and topics, with Michael Jackson's Thriller being a personal favorite among many viewers.

In-Context Humor in Japanese Society

One distinctive aspect of Japanese humor is its ability to make seemingly everyday situations into comedic moments. For example, public baths, a common practice in Japan, are seen as a place where nudity is acceptable, as long as the proper etiquette is followed. However, the unexpected exposure in a public toilet, such as a man being suddenly elevated from the toilet, can cause discomfort for the user but humor for the audience.

Similarly, common situations like working in a kaisha company (Japanese firm) or riding a train with someone who falls asleep next to you, can be sources of unique and unexpected comedy. These moments, which are rare and out of the ordinary in the average person's regular life, are often used to create humor.

Real-Life Humor in Tokyo

A personal experience in Tokyo illustrates the way humor can be used in unexpected situations. After leaving a baseball game and getting on a train, the narrator encountered a camera crew who used him for a filmed segment. The narrator, in an impromptu and humorous reaction, used the baseball scoreboard to tap the crew member on the head, reflecting a scene from a comedy video. This response, while unexpected, was an instance of impromptu humor that resonated with the comedic nature of Osaka humor.

Public Humor Inspired by Everyday Situations

Around Tokyo, rounding a corner and having a crowd rush towards you creates an entertaining sense of panic. Such unexpected events are frequently used in comedy sketches and real-life situations, deriving humor from the unexpected nature of the events.

Toilet and Sauna Humor in Japan

Another notable aspect of Japanese humor involves toilet and sauna scenarios, where sauna-based humor often relies on wit and quick thinking rather than explicit vulgarities. The use of “bits and pieces” in blocking, rather than full exposure, helps maintain the comedic tone without crossing the line into true vulgarity.

Cultural Humor in Modern Japan

Despite the unique and sometimes surprising nature of Japanese humor, it is important to note that generally, it is not considered vulgar by the Japanese themselves. This is in contrast to certain cultures where a more open and direct form of vulgarity might be more common. In Japan, humor often finds its strength in the relatability and unexpectedness of everyday situations.

Rakugo, a Traditional Comedy Form is another example of Japanese humor. Rakugo involves a performer wearing a kimono and seated on a zabuton, using a fan as a prop while telling humorous or exaggerated stories. The art of rakugo is a highly refined and respectful way of storytelling that has endured for centuries, making it a crucial part of Japan's cultural heritage.

Manzai, another form of Japanese comedy, is particularly popular in Osaka. Manzai features two comedians: one boke and one tsukkomi. The boke often says silly or nonsensical things, while the tsukkomi responds with a quick and witty comeback. However, due to recent controversies related to humor targeting foreigners, Manzai has been adapting to attract a younger generation of audiences.

In conclusion, Japanese humor, while unique and rooted in culture, provides a rich tapestry of comedic styles and scenarios. From the Daijoubu Da TV series to impromptu reactions in trains, and from rakugo to manzai, this form of humor captivates and entertains in its own special way, often finding comedy in the unexpected and the everyday.