[Comedy Workshop] The story of when Eiko Kano, back when he was unknown, appeared as the grand finale of a student comedy show

This is a story about a comedy workshop I experienced during my first year after enrolling in the acting course at the Japan Institute of the Moving Image.

It's about when everyone in the class formed comedy duos, practiced their routines, and finally reached the day of the performance.

1. The Performance

On the day of the performance, we heard that a graduate would be appearing as a special guest for the grand finale of the comedy showcase.

Only the name of the special guest was written on the performance schedule.

Is 'Eiko Kano' a famous person?

I've never heard of him.

It sounds like a lie now, but since he was unknown at the time, nobody knew who Kano-san was.

Around the middle of the show, Kano-san appeared backstage.

Everyone was curious, watching him sit silently on a folding chair in the corner of the backstage area, shrouded in mystery while wearing a flashy, host-like suit.

Is he doing a routine by himself?

What is it, a host routine?

I wonder what kind of routine he'll do.

While everyone in the class was trying to compete as duos, Kano-san was doing a solo routine for the grand finale.

Since he was the grand finale, we assumed he must be funny, so the expectations among the class were high, and we were all looking forward to his turn.

2. Funnier than Expected

Finally, it was Kano-san's turn.

Some of the classmates had finished their routines and were sitting in the audience watching.

I was watching Kano-san from the wings of the stage.

Yes! Hello there!
Ramen, tsukemen, I'm a handsome man!
I'm Eiko Kano! Nice to meet you!

“Whoa! He’s going all out!!”

In an away-game atmosphere where nobody knew who 'Eiko Kano' was, he went full-throttle with his own world from the start, and the whole venue began to feel a sense of anticipation, wondering, 'What is about to start!?'

At the time, Kano-san's routine barely used his 'Ramen, tsukemen, I'm a handsome man' catchphrase.

That's exactly why, when he did use that signature phrase, it acted as a spark for laughter, and the entire venue was wrapped in a whirlwind of hilarity.

“Amazing! Is this what a real comedian is like!!”

Far exceeding everyone's expectations, Kano-san's grand finale routine ended, and the comedy workshop came to a close.

3. After the Closing

After the performance ended, everyone in the class gathered in front of the teacher to receive their evaluations, and Eiko Kano was there too.

Kano-san hadn't said a word backstage, and after he had whipped up such a whirlwind of laughter, I expected him to come in looking very pleased with himself, but instead, as soon as he entered, he sat formally on his knees in front of the teacher.

Thank you very much!
How was I!?

Seeing his humble and modest demeanor, which was so different from his appearance, I honestly thought, 'This guy is amazing!'

The teacher gave Kano-san this evaluation.

Kano, that was funny! I think you'll make it big if you keep going like this!

The comedy workshop ended with everyone agreeing that Kano-san was more impressive than anyone in the acting course.

Summary

Six months later, Kano-san appeared on TV and had a huge breakthrough.

The video is one of my favorites, featuring Eiko Kano's 'EIKO' character.

He receives various evaluations on TV, but in my mind, the humble and modest Eiko Kano who sat seiza-style in front of the teacher is his true self.

Although we only stood on the same stage during the comedy workshop and I never actually spoke to him, if there is ever a day we can meet somewhere, I would love to hear his thoughts on that time.

Thank you for reading this far!

◆Click here for my self-introduction♪