1. Japanese Humor in Media By: Allison Schedin

2. History of Japanese Humor Origins China 712 AD – Comedy for Empress Tokugawa and Meiji Discouraged (vulgar) Flourished anyway “Earthy” themes, ridicule, and wordplay Impacts Jester has the high moral ground (humiliation) Subtle/Disguised malice Tokugawa Samurai Warriors (Serious business)

3. Current Humor Characteristics Amiable Joker has high ground Wordplay/puns In small congenial groups, not in public gatherings Lack of self-deprecating & discriminatory humor Now more willing to challenge traditional values Well respected musical group of young men (Arashi) cosplaying on their own variety show

4. Types of Media Covered Anime Manga Variety Shows Game Shows Dramas

5. Overview of Findings MediumAnimeMangaVariety Shows Game Shows Dramas Titles Observed Bleach Full Metal Panic FLCL Full Metal Alchemist Ouran High School Host Club Fruits Basket D.N.Angel Trigun InuYasha Chobits Naruto Hey! Hey! Hey! Utaban Arashi no Shukudai- kun D no Arashi Domoto Kyoudai All Star Tunnels No Minnasan No Okage Deshita (aka Human Tetris show) Hana Kimi Hana Yori Dango Gokusen GTO Nodame Contabile Stand Up! Zettai Kareshi Humor Trends Highly exaggerated facial expressions Symbols Backdrops Sound effects Team comedy Outrageous situations/speech Supplementary graphics/sound effects Embarrassment Mix between the two Focuses on ridiculous or unfortunate situations/ events

6. Different From American Humor Fake arguments or anger Physical difficulties/challenges Supplementary graphics and sounds Element of surprise/abrupt change (falling over) Awkward tasks Exaggerated situations/speech Horvat-adjust to situations

7. Similarities with American Humor Cultural references Ongoing jokes Physical comedy Sexual comedy Stereotypes Pathos for the repeatedly unfortunate Embarrassment

8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_Y9ennBfAA&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkvZ7NAuH_Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eckX97ubA1w&NR=1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpHh8JGEm5I&feature=related

9. Conclusion Humor is a basic human instinct However, it can be shaped by a society’s history and culture Own unique and culturally appropriate comedic style “the staple low comic diet of fish, food, sex, and assorted slapstick retains its ancient appeal” – Howard Hibbett, The Chrysanthemum and the Fish

10. Pictures/Videos/Books Shown Pictures: Arashi no Shukudai- kun Full Metal Alchemist Shameless School Tunnels No Minnasan No Okage Deshita Hana Kimi Fruits Basket Utaban FLCL Bleach Books: The Chrysanthemum and the Fish Videos: Full Metal Panic “Full Metal Panic – funny scenes” All Star “Japanese Treadmill Madness” Arashi no Shukudai-kun “Ep. 59 cuts” Gokusen “The Best of Gokusen: Part I”