Manzai facts for kids
Manzai (漫才) is a traditional kind of Japanese comedy. Manzai is a special kind of stand-up comedy. It is both dialogue and performance.
A comedy team brings together a straight man (tsukkomi) who feeds punchlines to a funny man (boke). A pair of comedians with a special back-and-forth style is called kakeai manzai.
History
The history of manzai began in the Nara period.
In the Edo period, the traditional dialogue was performed on stage.
In modern times, manzai performances are televised in Japan.
New Year's tradition
In Japan's past, traditional manzai performers would go from house to house in the New Year's season. They would sing songs and perform good-luck dances in return for a small amount of rice or money.
Other pages
Images for kids
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A pair of manzai performers at a New Year celebration; the tsukkomi at front, the boke behind him (artist unknown, 19th-century Japanese painting)
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Print depicting two manzai comedic actors, also in a New Year setting; c. 1825
See also
In Spanish: Manzai para niños
