Taka and Toshi facts for kids

Taka and Toshi (タカアンドトシ, Taka ando Toshi) is a famous Japanese comedy team. They are a "double act" or kombi from Sapporo, Japan. The duo includes Takahiro Suzuki (鈴木 崇大) (known as "Taka") and Toshikazu Miura (三浦 敏和) (known as "Toshi").

Taka and Toshi are known for their funny stand-up comedy acts. They also appear a lot on Japanese TV shows. They started their comedy journey in 1994.

Who Are Taka and Toshi?

Taka and Toshi are a popular comedy duo in Japan. They specialize in a type of Japanese comedy called manzai. Manzai is a traditional style of stand-up comedy. It usually involves two performers talking back and forth.

In their act, Taka plays the "boke" role. The boke is the funny one who says silly things. Toshi plays the "tsukkomi" role. The tsukkomi is the sensible one who points out the boke's mistakes. They are both managed by a big entertainment company called Yoshimoto Kogyo.

Meet the Members

• Takahiro "Taka" Suzuki (born April 3, 1976)
  • Birthplace: Sapporo, Hokkaido
  • Role in Manzai: The Boke (the funny, silly one)

• Toshikazu "Toshi" Miura (born July 17, 1976)
  • Birthplace: Asahikawa, Hokkaido
  • Role in Manzai: The Tsukkomi (the smart, straight-man)

Their Comedy Style

Taka and Toshi are famous for their unique comedy style. Taka often makes very silly comments. Toshi, on the other hand, is more serious. He often corrects Taka's funny remarks. He might even playfully hit Taka on the head!

Their most famous joke is "Ōbei ka!" (pronounced "oh-bay-ka!"). This phrase means, "Are you Western?" Toshi says it in a sarcastic way. He uses it when Taka says something that sounds too "Western" or out of place in Japan.

A Funny Example

Here is a short example of their comedy:

• 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!

This skit shows how Toshi uses "Ōbei ka!" to make fun of Taka's choices. It's a simple but very funny joke that their fans love.

Their Journey to Fame

Taka and Toshi first met when they were in junior high school. This was in 1990 in Sapporo. They were both in the 8th grade. In 1994, they tried out for Yoshimoto Kogyo and passed!

They started their comedy career in Sapporo. Then, in 2002, they moved to Tokyo. This move helped them become famous all over Japan. They have been making people laugh ever since.

Awards and Recognition

Taka and Toshi have won many awards for their comedy. They are recognized as one of Japan's top comedy duos.

• 1997: Won 1st place at the Nationwide Yoshimoto Young Manzai-shi Awards.
• 2004: Won a Gold medal at The 10th Warai no Kin-medal - Neta Battle.
• 2004: Reached the finals of the M-1 Grand Prix, finishing in 4th place. This is a very big comedy contest in Japan.
• 2005: Won 1st place twice at the Bakushō On-air Battle Championship.
• 2008: Received the Broadcasting Award (Variety Section) at the 45th Golden Arrow Awards.
• 2008: Won the Japan Show Biz Award at the 8th Beat Takeshi's Entertainment Awards.

Where You Can See Them

Taka and Toshi are very busy. They appear on many TV shows in Japan. They are known as "tarento," which means they are TV personalities.

Here are some of the shows they have been on:

• Otameshika! (TV Asahi)
• Hoko Tate (Fuji TV)
• Waratte Iitomo! (Fuji TV)
• Iknari! Ōgon Densetsu. (TV Asahi)
• Game & Quiz Variety Peke Pon (Fuji TV)
• Tensai! Shimura Dōbutsuen (Nippon TV)
• SMAP×SMAP (Kansai TV, Fuji TV)

They also have special TV programs and series. These often involve travel or unique challenges.