A: When I was in University, I was watching a TV program about a Japanese comedian who has been doing stand-up for 20 years in New York and I thought he was really cool. I thought about how wonderful it is to make people with different backgrounds laugh, with only a mic. So I searched for him on Facebook and messaged him. I flew to New York City the next day. I made my first joke in the airplane.
A: It was an open mic in New York City. Fortunately, people listened carefully to a random Japanese guy’s broken English and liked it. That was the day I learned the meaning of “kill.” After the mic, a comedian in the lineup told me how great Chicago was and I decided to go perform there.
A: I always get so nervous before that I have a Halls drop. It makes me relaxed and funnier, hopefully.
A: It is absolutely Chicago. Since I performed in Chicago, I fell in love with this town and its comedy scene. It actually reminds me of my hometown in Japan. I love the vibes and people. Chicago is my “Sweet Home” in the States.
A: In Tokyo, I produce a two-hour sketch comedy show called “Saku’s Comedy Night” that I write, direct and perform in. In 2018, I toured this show nationwide. I would like to produce it in Chicago in the future. I also made a movie called “Human Rights Samurai” last year.
A: Cubs, red and suits.
A: People assume that I am gay and call me “gaysian.” I learned English from my gay friends, so sometimes my vocabulary is a bit fabulous. I don’t think I’m gay but I really love to go to Sidetrack’s Musical Night in Boystown.
A: A baseball player without a doubt. I used to play baseball so much and dreamed of becoming a Major League Baseball player, hopefully for the Cubs.
A: One of my dreams is to be the first Saturday Night Live cast member from Japan. SNL is like Major League Baseball for me. If a Japanese player wants to play in the MLB, they have to be famous and successful in Japan first. But in comedy, that never happens. You have to go to the States, start playing in the minor leagues and get respect from other players (comedians)… then Double-A, Triple-A, and then MLB (SNL). That’s why I have to move to the States as soon as possible.
A: My cozy hazel eyes. I don’t let anybody get lost in my eyes.
A: Even though the world is becoming more and more globalized, there have been few Japanese comedians who have performed internationally. Stand-up culture in Japan is not big yet. It would be great if I could let Japanese people know how amazing stand-up comedy is.