An all-English Japanese comedy show, OWARAI ASAKUSA, is coming to Asakusa France-za Engei-jo Toyokan across two separate runs in summer 2026. The first run takes place from July 10 (Fri) through July 17 (Sat) for 8 nights, followed by a second run from September 2 (Wed) through September 11 (Fri) for 10 nights. Shows start at 7:00 PM and run approximately 60 minutes.
Teaser video: https://youtu.be/dXyzmpPajOU
What Is OWARAI ASAKUSA?
OWARAI ASAKUSA is a live comedy show designed for inbound visitors, featuring some of Japan's top sketch comedians performing entirely in English. The lineup includes:
- Iwasaki Udai (Kamomentar)
- Ueda Kohei
- Kurokop
- The Gees
- Shinomiya Satoru
- Darlinzu
- Chukento Tachi Hachiko
- Hoshino Mitsuki
- More to be announced
Note: The lineup may vary by performance date.
Tickets
Tickets are priced at ¥6,000 (approx. $37 USD).
- Domestic (Japan): Asoview
- International: GetYourGuide
Venue
Asakusa France-za Engei-jo Toyokan
https://www.asakusatoyokan.com/
The Chicago Connection
The show grew out of the success of an earlier performance titled "The Best Comedy 'OWARAI' from JAPAN in English," staged in March 2026 at The Second City — Chicago's iconic comedy theater with over 60 years of history and one of the largest in the United States.
The Chicago production featured 8 groups and 12 performers — including Kamomentar's Iwasaki Udai, The Gees, Ueda Kohei (formerly of Zophie), and Shinomiya Satoru (formerly of Ojin Osborne) — presenting carefully translated and localized versions of their Japanese sketch routines entirely in English. Four of the five scheduled performances sold out, and audiences responded with laughter throughout.
Audience feedback gathered after the shows highlighted what made the performance stand out:
"It's unique compared to American comedy because of all the subtle details packed into the bits."
"Incredibly energetic and expressive."
"The acting was so delicate — the performers communicated everything through facial expressions alone, without relying on words."
Japanese audience members were also moved, with one saying: "I was amazed they trained so hard to be able to perform these routines in English."
Chicago performance footage: https://youtu.be/02qdD_6pBvc
The OWARAI ASAKUSA shows will feature an expanded cast compared to the Chicago production. More performers will be announced at a later date.
You can follow behind-the-scenes documentary footage of the performers on the YouTube channel OWARAI / Japanese Comedy Show: https://youtube.com/@owaraijapanesecomedyshow?si=nwFZ8sW4PTFkzIpA
Event Summary
| Event Name | OWARAI ASAKUSA |
| Round 1 | July 10 (Fri) – July 17 (Sat), 2026 (8 nights) |
| Round 2 | September 2 (Wed) – September 11 (Fri), 2026 (10 nights) |
| Show Time | 7:00 PM (approx. 60 min) |
| Venue | Asakusa France-za Engei-jo Toyokan |
| Ticket Price | ¥6,000 (approx. $37 USD) |
Event details are subject to change.
