Synopsis
The protagonist, Tokunaga, is an unsuccessful young comedian. One day, he meets Kamiya, a senior comedian performing an unconventional manzai routine, at a fireworks festival in Atami. He is deeply drawn to Kamiya’s style and personality. Tokunaga asks Kamiya to take him on as his apprentice, and the two embark on a strange master-disciple relationship.
Kamiya is a man who seriously discusses philosophical questions like “What is laughter?” and “What should a comedian be like?” and adheres to a style of comedy that is unconstrained by conventional wisdom. Influenced by Kamiya, Tokunaga begins to search for his own path as a comedian.
While Tokunaga’s comedy duo, “Sparks,” gradually gains attention, Kamiya’s comedy duo, “Ahondara,” is not well-received and suffers from debt and troubles with his agency. Kamiya repeatedly engages in eccentric behavior (such as breast augmentation surgery), but he remains steadfast in his beliefs.
Ultimately, Tokunaga quits comedy and gets a job, becoming estranged from Kamiya. One day, Kamiya contacts Tokunaga after a long time. They reunite at an izakaya, where Kamiya tells him, “I’ve done everything I can in comedy.” Tokunaga senses his approach and resolve as a comedian in these words.
Thoughts
Because the author is a comedian, I felt the world of comedians was portrayed very realistically.
When I watch manzai on TV, I can sense the careful thought that goes into creating them.
It feels like it’s packed with professional work.
And it also reminds me of the reality that no matter how talented you are, success in a certain entertainment industry isn’t guaranteed.
The work also made me reconsider themes such as teacher-student relationships, friendships, self-expression, and living without conforming to society.
