Today : Jan 10, 2025
Arts & Culture
10 January 2025

Owarai Trio Member Reflects On Lost Friend

Danchō Yasuda shares heartfelt memories of childhood friend after three decades since the disaster.

Danchō Yasuda, the leader of the comedy trio Yasuda Daisakasu, recently opened up about the deep grief he has carried for 30 years following the tragic death of his childhood friend, Keisuke Yamaguchi, during the Great Hanshin Earthquake. The emotional toll of this event, which occurred when Yasuda was just 20 years old, dramatically shaped his life and career path.

Hailing from Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Yasuda reflected on how losing Yamaguchi, whom he had known since the first grade, became one of his life’s turning points. After the earthquake struck, Yasuda’s once carefree existence quickly changed. "I think I was shocked to the point where my memories started flying away. I can't really grasp it well anymore," he stated. This experience, coupled with the devastating sight of destruction around him, drove Yasuda to reconsider his life direction.

Immediately after the earthquake, Yasuda was faced with the surreal reality of Yamaguchi's death, which left him grappling with intense emotions. The two friends had often discussed their dreams, and only two days after Yasuda’s coming-of-age ceremony, Yamaguchi was buried under the rubble of a building where he was staying with his grandmother. Yasuda recalled the harrowing five-day wait for news on his friend, as he joined others hoping for Yamaguchi's survival. After this tragic loss, Yasuda decided to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a comedian.

Reflecting on this significant shift, Yasuda remarked, "Since I was 20, I have always cherished the memory of Yamaguchi. I feel like I have to tell everyone about the earthquake and what happened." His commitment to convey this story became intertwined with his comedy. Over the years, he has gradually engaged more with the subject of the earthquake, aided by the words of a Buddhist monk who said, "There are two types of death: the physical death and the death of memory. I believe I can prevent the second type of death." Yasuda felt compelled to keep Yamaguchi’s memory alive.

With time, Yasuda has also transitioned to becoming certified as a disaster prevention specialist—a role he wants to excel at through humor. Last December, he achieved this goal and is now dedicated to educating people on disaster readiness through his comedic approach. "I want to become the funniest disaster prevention specialist in Japan," Yasuda asserted, affirming his commitment to both comedy and the important message he aims to spread.

Part of Yasuda's approach includes sharing experiences with laughter through his performances. He often integrates humor and serious topics, believing it makes the messages on disaster preparedness more engaging. Yasuda's motto for his talks emphasizes this blend: “80% comedy, 20% disaster preparedness.” He insists this method is not only effective but also necessary, stating, “If I can make people laugh and feel informed, then I will succeed.”

Through interviews and public speeches, Yasuda continues to carry his friend's memory with him, fueling his resolve to educate others and join the public's awareness of disaster response. Echoing this conviction, he often shares, "Do what you want because you never know what may happen. The community's people are the best at helping each other. Just smiling at someone can ease communication." Yasuda's reflections echo the lessons learned from tragedy, and their relevance continues to inform both his life and career.

Yasuda Daisakasu, formed with members HIRO and Kuro-chan, remains close to Yasuda’s heart, and through this trio, he continues to entertain audiences, invigorated by the ideal of meaningful service. Looking back on his past, it’s evident Yasuda has channeled his grief and motivation from Yamaguchi’s memory to serve others, making the ultimate goal of his comedy to spread awareness and laughter.

The essence of Yasuda's story is rooted deeply within the historical and personal contexts of loss and resilience. His dedication is not only to grief but also to potential positivity, reminding us all of the importance of community and preparedness.