Legendary Comedy Skits
I suddenly remembered something.
It happened over thirty years ago.
I was a college student at the time, and I was heading to the beach in a friend's car.
K, a local, was driving, and A, who was from Tokyo, O, who was from my hometown, and I were the passengers.
It was still the era when CDs were just starting to appear, and boomboxes and cassette tapes were still the mainstream in cars.
At first, we were chatting about nonsense while a music tape edited by K played in the background.
Along the way, we decided to listen to a tape that A had brought along.
I was shocked. We laughed so hard we could barely breathe.
What was playing were surreal comedy skits; A had edited together the skit portions.
Those born in the Showa era might perhaps...
think, 'What are you talking about?'
It was 'Snakeman Show'.
I personally love it, but more than 30 years have passed without me knowing its origins.
I asked Copilot about it.
It began in 1975 (during the era of background music for stores). It started when Mr. Moichi Kuwahara, who was in charge of music selection for Men's Bigi fashion shows, asked Mr. Katsuya Kobayashi to recreate a Wolfman Jack-style musical production. That is when the character setting of Snakeman Jones was born.
When I think of Katsuya Kobayashi, I remember Best Hit USA.
In 1976, it started on Radio Osaka as a music program featuring DJs speaking in English and Japanese. It seems the structure consisted of surreal skits between songs. That was when actor Masato Ibu joined.
When I think of Masato Ibu, I remember Dessler from Space Battleship Yamato.
In 1980, they released the collaboration album 'Zoshoku' with YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra), which apparently became a nationwide craze.
It seems they also expanded into television.
In 1983, Mr. Katsuya Kobayashi left.
It seems their activities ended after 2011.
To be frank, the content is vulgar and crude.
I heard there were complaints even back then.
I don't think it could be broadcast today.
Since it includes current events,
there are some jokes that might make those born in the Heisei era wonder what it's all about,
but personally, I think it's funny.
It's legendary.
For those who are brave enough,
please do give it a watch.
#WhatAreYouTalkingAbout
Thank you for reading until the end.😊
The header image was borrowed from Akira Yamane.
Thank you.
Well then, have a great weekend.✨