Taka and Toshi facts for kids

Taka and Toshi (タカアンドトシ (Taka ando Toshi)) is a famous Japanese comedy duo. They are known for their funny stand-up acts called manzai. A manzai duo is called a kombi in Japan.

The duo includes Takahiro Suzuki (鈴木 崇大, 4/3/1976-), also known as "Taka," who plays the boke (the silly one). The other member is Toshikazu Miura (三浦 敏和, 7/17/1976-), known as "Toshi," who plays the tsukkomi (the smart one who corrects the boke). They work for a big entertainment company called Yoshimoto Kogyo. Taka and Toshi started their group in 1994 in Sapporo. They are very popular on Japanese TV variety shows.

Their Comedy Style

Taka and Toshi are famous for their unique comedy style. Taka, as the boke, often says funny and silly things. Toshi, the tsukkomi, usually acts more serious. He often points out how silly Taka's comments are.

The "Ōbei ka!" Gag

One of their most famous jokes is Toshi saying "Ōbei ka!" (pronounced "oh-bay-ka!"). This means, "Are you Western?!" or "Are you American?!" He says this in a sarcastic way when Taka acts like someone from a Western country. Toshi might even playfully hit Taka on the head for his silly answers.

Here is an example of their funny skits: Toshi: Let's have a drink. I'll have a beer. Taka: Then I'll have a Diet Coke. Toshi: You're not an American! Have a beer! And what would you like to eat? Taka: I'll have a cherry pie. Toshi: You're not an American! Taka: A meat pie. Toshi: You're not an American! Taka: A chocolate bar. Toshi: You're not an American! Taka: Sushi and tempura! (with an American accent). Toshi: You're not an American!

Manzai Performances

Taka and Toshi also perform manzai stand-up comedy. They use similar jokes and routines in their manzai acts. Their stand-up often feels like their sketch comedy. In 2004, they competed in the M-1 Grand Prix, which is a big manzai competition. They did very well and finished in 4th place.

How They Started

Taka and Toshi first met when they were in junior high school. They were both in 8th grade at Nishioka-kita Junior High in Sapporo in 1990. In 1994, they tried out for Yoshimoto Kogyo and passed the audition. They started their comedy career in Sapporo. Later, in 2002, they moved to Tokyo to work on TV shows all over Japan.

Meet the Members

Takahiro "Taka" Suzuki

• Date of Birth: April 3, 1976
• Birthplace: Sapporo, Hokkaido
• Comedy Role: Boke (the funny, silly one)

Toshikazu "Toshi" Miura

• Date of Birth: July 17, 1976
• Birthplace: Asahikawa, Hokkaido
• Comedy Role: Tsukkomi (the smart, straight-man one)

Awards and Achievements

Taka and Toshi have won many awards for their comedy.

• Nationwide Yoshimoto Young Manzai-shi Awards (1997) - 1st place
• The 10th Warai no Kin-medal - Neta Battle (2004) - Gold medal
• M-1 Grand Prix (2004) - 4th place
• The 7th Bakushō On-air Battle Championship (2005) - 1st place
• The 8th Bakushō On-air Battle Championship (2005) - 1st place
• The 45th Golden Arrow Awards, Broadcasting Award (Variety Section) (2008)
• The 8th Beat Takeshi's Entertainment Awards, Japan Show Biz Award (2008)

TV Shows

Taka and Toshi have been on many TV shows. They are regular guests or hosts on several popular programs.

Regular TV Appearances

• Otameshika! (お試しかっ!) -- TV Asahi
• Hoko Tate (ほこ×たて) -- Fuji TV
• Waratte Iitomo! (森田一義アワー 笑っていいとも!) -- Fuji TV
• Jimoto Ōen Variety Konohen!! Traveler (地元応援バラエティ このへん!!トラベラー) -- HTB
• Gyōten Quiz! Chin Rule Show (仰天クイズ! 珍ルールSHOW) -- TV Tokyo
• Futtonda (フットンダ) -- Chūkyō TV
• Iknari! Ōgon Densetsu. (いきなり!黄金伝説。) -- TV Asahi
• Game & Quiz Variety Peke Pon (ゲーム&クイズバラエティ ペケ×ポン) -- Fuji TV
• Gekkan Soccer Earth -- Nippon TV (Every 4th Friday)
• Tensai! Shimura Dōbutsuen (天才!志村どうぶつ園) -- Nippon TV
• Waratte Iitomo! Zōkan-gō (笑っていいとも!増刊号) -- Fuji TV
• Dōda! Presents Taka Toshi Bokujō (どぉーだ! Presents タカトシ牧場) -- Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting

Other TV Appearances

Taka and Toshi have also appeared on these shows:

• SmaStation—TV Asahi
• SMAP×SMAP -- Kansai TV, Fuji TV
• Tunnels no Mina-san no Okage Deshita (とんねるずのみなさんのおかげでした) -- Fuji TV
• Taka Toshi & Nukumizu ga Iku Chiisana Tabi Series (タカトシ&温水が行く小さな旅シリーズ) -- Fuji TV
• Special Program Bakushō Sokkuri Monomane Kōhaku Utagassen Special (爆笑そっくりものまね紅白歌合戦スペシャル) -- Fuji TV