On February 24, Fuji TV aired a special titled, 'The Nation's Choice! Ken Shimura's Best Laugh-Out-Loud Skits 30', commemorated with the presence of renowned comedian Beat Takeshi. The broadcast showcased the best moments from Shimura's illustrious career, as determined by public votes over the past month.
The show featured classic sketches from revered programs such as 'Drifters Big Laugh' (1977-1998) and 'Shimura Ken's Daijoubu Daa', including some of Shimura's most iconic characters. Among these was the beloved 'Baka Tono-sama', whose charmingly silly persona, characterized by white face paint and broad eyebrows, continues to resonate with fans.
Kimura’s influence spans generations, from the Showa to the Reiwa era, as evidenced by the wide array of sketches presented. 'The Set of Drifters' ensemble comedy initially sparked significant competition on the Saturday night ratings wars, dubbed the 'Dote 8 War', where the talents of Shimura and Takeshi were prominently featured.
During the program, Takeshi reminisced about his decades-long friendship with Shimura, expressing admiration for his comedic prowess. "Shimura's ability to take any situation and return it to his comedic setup during sketches was remarkable. He had such openness and generosity toward the craft of comedy," Takeshi commented. His words echoed the sentiment of many who viewed Shimura not just as a comedian but as an inspiring force within the industry.
Viewers were treated to rare footage featuring Shimura and Takeshi from nearly three decades ago, adding a nostalgic touch to the special. The footage highlighted their collaborative works and underscored the artistic synergy they shared.
With celebrity guests like Ayumi Hamasaki and Akina Nakamori introducing segments, the broadcast also included surprises for longtime fans. Each guest shared personal anecdotes about their favorite Shimura skits, culminating with actor Akira Emoto discussing their experiences together during the 'Geisha Sketch' which ranked high on the public list.
To heighten the emotional moment, there were tributes from various showbiz figures celebrating Shimura's contributions to the entertainment industry, including heartfelt reminiscences from his former colleagues, emphasizing the void left by his passing.
Overall, the evening served not only as a reminder of Shimura's comedic brilliance but also emphasized the importance of laughter during challenging times. It reignited fond memories as fans celebrated the legacy of Ken Shimura's humor, delivering joy through his iconic skits, forever etched in the hearts of Japanese audiences.