After three consecutive years of advancing to the semi-finals of the M-1 Grand Prix, Yoshihira Tsukehara, of the comedy duo Mamatart, has finally reached the finals of the 2024 competition. His unique brand of humor, characterized by long-winded comedic counters and infectious personality, has garnered him increased recognition, making him one of the standout voices of contemporary Japanese comedy.
Tsukehara recently shared his experiences through his new column, "The Enjoyment Diary of Mamatart Tsukehara," where he brings the readers along on his amusing adventures. The first entry humorously reflects on his exhilaration upon hearing of his advancement to the semi-finals of this year’s M-1 Grand Prix, which he viewed with his trademark excitement.
On the day of the announcement, Tsukehara recalled, "When they called out the number 4224, I was lying on my bed, watching on my 55-inch TV. When my number was announced, I practically yelled so loud, I was worried my neighbors would think I was going crazy!" His excitement was palpable as he recounted the moment, yelling so loudly it could be heard by the staff at the FamilyMart nearby.
After this thrilled declaration, Tsukehara mentioned how the music during the announcement changed after his progression was confirmed, turning upbeat, which led him to dance around his living room, showcasing his boundless energy.
Speaking of food, Tsukehara's other great joy is takoyaki. He shared how he lost his touch for making it, coinciding with the closing of the TV show "Research TV!!" on TV Tokyo, which he had been part of for over a year. To commemorate this, he invited friends over to watch the final episode and to make takoyaki together. He humorously lamented, "I had completely forgotten how to make takoyaki!"
When AP Watanabe brought over the takoyaki grill, Tsukehara felt the familiar spark of his Kansai roots. To reignite his culinary skills, he ordered his own takoyaki plate online. His first attempt didn't go quite as planned; ignoring instructions, he used 600ml of dashi instead of the recommended 300ml of water for 100g of flour. "It was ridiculously hard to cook," he admitted, laughing about the kitchen disasters he encountered, but eventually produced perfect, crispy yet creamy takoyaki after two hours of effort.
The laughs didn't stop there. Proud of his accomplishment, Tsukehara revealed he purchased special serving dishes for the takoyaki. His friends admired his dedication, leading to playful banter about the dish's hotness quotient with each delicious round of takoyaki they made together.
His latest column entry dives deep not just on his comedic experiences but also on new culinary discoveries, like Manuka honey. After hearing about it on the radio show of another comedy group he’s connected with, Tsukehara quickly rushed to the upscale grocery store Seijo Ishii, eager to try the buzzed-about treat. At 7000 yen for 250ml, he joked about the lengths he would go to join the elite "upper crust" of society through the powers of this honey.
He noted, "The MGO content (Methylglyoxal) determines its antibacterial effectiveness. Mine had MGO 400, which, after taking it regularly this autumn, kept my throat from getting sore!" His appreciation for the honey led him to reflect on its price tag with humor, acknowledging his excitement and willingness to splurge for quality. Shortly after, he quipped about how friends had bought even pricier versions, outdoing him with their purchases.
Throughout his engaging tales, Tsukehara's charm shines through, weaving together moments of laughter, food, and friendship. Whether it’s dancing after semi-final announcements or attempting to master takoyaki once again, he brings warmth and authenticity to his narratives. With his undaunted spirit and quirky storytelling, he endears himself to readers eager for laughter.
Tsukehara’s unique blend of humor, life experiences, and passion for culinary arts makes his "Enjoyment Diary" not just about his professional achievements but also about cherishing the little things. His vivid, relatable storytelling invites readers to revel alongside him, celebrating both triumphs and the sometimes hilarious cost of learning to cook.
It will undoubtedly be intriguing to see how Tsukehara’s comedy will evolve after the finals of M-1 and what new delights he will continue to share as he navigates the world of entertainment, all the delicious food adventures he encounters, and all the joys of life he chooses to highlight.