In a remarkable journey that began over a decade ago, the Japanese comedy duo 3 Gatsu Ga Heta (3ガガヘッズ) is set to take their unique performance style to new heights with an upcoming solo live show in Tokyo and a significant overseas tour. The duo, consisting of Toni Hata and Masamoto Keizo, will present an all-new material performance titled '3 Gatsu Ga Heta The Body Tights Men Show ePop A~Ho' at Shinjuku Batios on July 1 and 2, 2025.
This year marks an exciting milestone for the pair as they prepare for their first performance in Central Asia, specifically Uzbekistan, as part of their annual 'Katte ni World Tour.' From September 8 to 30, 2025, they will spend 23 days touring the country, which will be their 37th country to perform in. Toni Hata, 50, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming tour, highlighting that Uzbekistan is known for its political stability and friendly relations with Japan. "Uzbekistan is a peaceful country. It's an Islamic nation, but you can drink alcohol there, and it's very pro-Japanese," he said.
The duo's journey into international performances began in 2009 when they were invited to an event celebrating the 35th anniversary of Japan-China Friendship. Their performance was well-received, prompting the head of Wahaha-Honke, Mr. Somehaji, to suggest that they take their act overseas. Since then, the duo has been performing annually abroad, much to their delight. Toni noted, "We might not be hugely popular, but this overseas tour has become an investment and a buildup for us. We have a flow where we perform in July, then head to Uzbekistan, and follow it up with a homecoming show."
In addition to their Uzbekistan tour, this year also sees performances scheduled in Johor Bahru and Penang in Malaysia, as well as Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. The duo's comedic style is characterized by its physicality, requiring no dialogue, allowing them to connect with audiences worldwide. Toni remarked, "There are probably not many opportunities to see us live, even though we perform skits in 37 countries. YouTube allows people to watch our acts, but experiencing it live is something special."
Masamoto echoed this sentiment, expressing joy in sharing the live performance experience with children abroad. He stated, "It’s great to convey the joy of live performances to kids overseas." Their performances often involve elaborate costumes, with the duo donning full-body tights that allow them to transform into various characters, including famous figures like Godzilla.
However, their performances have not been without challenges. For instance, during a show in Turkey three years ago, they opted to wear short pants instead of full-body tights due to cultural sensitivities regarding body lines. Toni humorously recounted, "We wore short pants because the full-body tights revealed too much. Surprisingly, when we performed in Japan wearing short pants, it got a great reaction!"
The duo's commitment to their craft has garnered them accolades over the years, including the Grand Prize at the Daidogei National Competition 'Art King Grand Prix 2010' and a victory at the 'International Children and Young People's Performing Arts Festival Okinawa' in 2013. Their ability to resonate with audiences transcends language barriers, as they focus on physical comedy and universal themes of laughter.
Toni and Masamoto, who have been performing together since 2019, originally formed the group in 2002 with three members. Over the years, they have seen changes in their lineup but have remained committed to their comedic vision. Toni, born on July 26, 1974, in Kagoshima Prefecture, and Masamoto, born on September 14, 1970, in Osaka, have carved out a niche in the world of international comedy, showcasing the richness of Japanese humor to diverse audiences.
As they prepare for their upcoming performances, the duo reflects on their journey and the joy they find in making people laugh. Their dedication to comedy and their innovative approach to performance continue to set them apart in a competitive entertainment landscape. With their upcoming shows, they aim to spread joy and laughter, proving that comedy knows no borders.
In a world that often feels divided, the ability to share laughter and joy through performance is more important than ever. 3 Gatsu Ga Heta exemplifies how art can bridge cultural gaps and create connections among people from different backgrounds, reminding us all of the universal language of humor.
