Japanese comedian ZAZY is facing public ire following his recent behavior toward 78-year-old comedian Obachan, real name Tatsu Okihara, which many see as emblematic of wider issues around respect and ageism within the entertainment sphere. Obachan, who has become a beloved figure among her peers, was featured prominently on the February 22 episode of ‘ETV Special’ aired on NHK E-Tele, which highlighted her unique path to comedy.
This heartfelt feature showcased Obachan, who began her professional career at the age of 72, after graduating from the 24th class of the Tokyo NSC (Nihon Sensei no Kakaritachi, Japan's training school for comedians). With her warm demeanor and gentle humor, she has endeared herself not only to audiences but to fellow comedians as well.
Yet, the program also included behind-the-scenes footage of ZAZY, who seemed uncharacteristically cold toward her. Videos showed ZAZY watching as Obachan offered snacks to younger comedians waiting for their shows, only to turn away dismissively. His lack of acknowledgment as she warmly smiled at them sparked significant backlash, with many expressing disappointment over his seemingly indifferent behavior.
The divide between the two comedians became even starker after the show aired. While many of Obachan’s peers, such as Elfu and Kurenai Shoga, were seen smiling and taking part in group photos with her, ZAZY’s decision to ignore her presence raised eyebrows. These contrasting behaviors highlight the comic industry's ingrained respect for seniority and friendliness versus the harsher, competitive edges of comedic performance.
Japanese comedy places a premium on both age and experience. Despite being younger, ZAZY has more experience, which typically dictates the hierarchy within the industry. This nuance is often obscured by public perceptions of age, leaving individuals like ZAZY to grapple with complex social expectations. Comedian Akashiya Sanma once pointedly addressed this during Obachan’s performance on the ‘Owarai Kojo Iinkai’ (Comedians' Improvement Council). He scolded fellow comedians for being overly kind to her, emphasizing, “Why are you all so nice to her? This is war within the art of comedy!” It’s this kind of cultural commentary about the balance between respect and competitive spirit that's at the heart of the matter.
Following the backlash, observers speculated on what ZAZY might have been thinking. Was he simply caught up in the competitive nature of comedy, equated it to 'battle,' as Sanma suggested, distancing himself from the group warmth surrounding Obachan? Such rationales do not take away from today’s demands for inclusivity and respect, particularly toward those like Obachan who navigate the often-turbulent waters of entertainment later than most.
Fans and critics alike expressed disappointment on social media platforms, calling ZAZY out for his actions. Many concluded, quite plainly, “ZAZY’s got poor character,” as they watched video follow-ups capturing moments when Obachan was dismissed. It raised poignant discussions about the ethics of respect across age and experience, questioning whether the industry might need to reassess its cultural norms.
Some have even suggested ZAZY could turn the tides on his public image by collaborating with Obachan, seeking the comedic potential and appeal of pairing the young with the seasoned artist. Such partnership may arise as both comedians navigate this public discourse, potentially leading to fruitful collaboration rather than animosity.
Obachan's charm and resilience, along with her comedic prowess, could set the tone for responses to this situation—whether through collaboration or simply by continuing to shine on her own. Whatever happens next, both ZAZY and Obachan may have significant lessons to learn from this public spat over respect and ageism, which remains relevant within not just comedians’ circles but across industries everywhere.