Terry Ito Column Vol.72 I found an incredibly funny program in Osaka

Osaka Asahi Broadcasting Television's Choibara TV program, "Hamada Yutaro's Walking Around Town," is interesting. As I serve as a judge for the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association Awards, I watch a lot of excellent programs from TV stations around the country at this time of year. While the programs are full of each station's pride and joy, I found this program to be particularly entertaining. The main character, Hamada, is a blind comedian (who calls himself "Comedy Zatoichi"), and his partner as he walks around town is Fujisaki. At first glance, it seems like a typical strolling-around-town program, but the show is designed to challenge the blind Hamada to various challenges.

First up is a shooting gallery. Listening to advice, Hamada fires his gun and successfully wins a prize. "You can see, can't you?" Fujisaki quips, to which Hamada immediately replies, "I can't see! What's the point of making me do this?" The exchange between the two is incredibly funny. Amidst this hilarious exchange, Hamada continues his challenges, stacking blocks, climbing trees, and rock climbing cliffs. Each time, Hamada yells out, "What's the point of making me do this?" He has a great voice, a great personality, and even more so the kindness in his eyes. As the show progresses, you start to like him more. While Tokyo-based shows typically focus on compliance and treat people with disabilities with kindness, this Osaka comedian's sharp wit and witty remarks are enjoyable.

As an ambassador for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, I had the opportunity to interact with many athletes. While they spoke their minds in official settings, they were open to sharing their true feelings in private. They often told me, "Listen, Terry, don't you think everyone around us assumes we're all good, earnest people? We're actually not serious and just want to have fun." They said that being a para-athlete is a huge burden, as they believe it's synonymous with hard work and good behavior. They were right. They also wanted to fall in love and let loose sometimes. For many years, I'd felt that "we need to somehow change the stereotypes about people with disabilities," so this program was a shock to me.

Hamada continues walking around town. He points out that the tactile paving blocks, so necessary for walking, have disappeared along the way. He seems to be more sensitive to smells than able-bodied people, saying, "There's a strong smell of dog pee around here." He also adds, "It's really hard to walk when you're blind," and, "There are so many roads in Japan where there's no distinction between the road and the sidewalk, it seems like it would be impossible to travel alone." Hamada's natural good nature shines through as he talks with enjoyment. This was by far the most enjoyable and informative TV program I've seen this year. Unfortunately, the show ended after three episodes. I hope it makes a comeback. I hope Hamada becomes a national celebrity, continues to speak out the true feelings of people with disabilities, and spreads awareness.

I would love to see "Comedy Zatoichi Goes to Town" published like my debut book "Comedy North Korea"!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry