Tontsukatan Morimoto: Are His ‘Legends’ Multiplying? The Backstage Stories Are Hilarious!
You’ve probably heard of Morimoto from the comedy trio Tontsukatan. Lately, his character and the many ‘legends’ surrounding him have been the talk of the town, both inside and outside the industry, haven’t they? I bet quite a few of you have had a cheeky smile on your face after searching for something like ‘Tontsukatan Morimoto stories’. His actions are like a Showa-era rakugo storyteller, yet somehow with a thoroughly modern sensibility. Today, we’re bringing you the full, uncut version of those backstage whispers, delving into the truth behind the rumours.
Just the other day, I was backstage at a place in Tokyo. A crew member I know told me that a veteran comedian he was working with had ribbed Morimoto, saying, “Mate, you’re obsessed with that thing lately, aren’t you?” Without missing a beat, Morimoto whipped out a small notebook from his pocket and said, “I’ll just jot that down.” Everyone assumed it was a notebook for his stage material. But when he opened it, the page was filled with entries like “On [date], [name] told me I was obsessed with that thing.” Apparently, everyone in the room froze for a second before absolutely losing it with laughter.
This story feels like it perfectly sums up the man. It’s that incredible balance of a serious manzai comedian with a unique, almost guileless sense of humour. Among his fellow comics, there’s even a touch of awe when they talk about him, with comments like, “That bloke turns even his everyday life, outside of his routines, into a comedy sketch.”
What’s the Strategy Behind His Unique ‘Joke Diary’?
Apparently, Morimoto’s always had this intense ‘note-taking habit’. Normally he’s a gentle soul, very polite to everyone, but a senior comedian told me this anecdote.
- ■ Jotting down every word on set: Whether it’s on a location bus or backstage, if someone says something funny, he’ll immediately note it down on his phone so he doesn’t forget. Later, he uses it as a springboard to flesh out new material.
- ■ Are the ‘Tontsukatan Morimoto stories’ a form of self-promotion?: Apparently, quite a few of those ‘legendary tales’ spread because he himself started telling people, “Hey, guess what happened.” In a way, he’s actively crafting his own public persona.
- ■ Even fee negotiations are done ‘diary-style’?: When it comes to negotiating his pay with his manager, he’s known to present a self-made portfolio meticulously detailing his past work. Agency staff find it bemusing, saying things like, “It’s so strategic it’s hilarious, but the funny thing is you can’t even be annoyed by it.”
Hearing all this, you realise that his every move isn’t just some natural, quirky performance. It’s all a meticulously planned, “relentless pursuit of comedy.” For comedy fans, it’s his very dedication that makes him so brilliantly funny. He’s a genuine rarity among today’s young comics – a true craftsman.
Showbusiness is often a world where ‘image strategy’ is king, but in his case, he manages to turn that very calculation into part of his comedic material. That’s surely the secret to his unique presence. It’s becoming impossible to take your eyes off Tontsukatan, and Morimoto himself.
So, next time you spot him on TV, why not let your mind wander: “I wonder if that story came from something he jotted down today?” I guarantee you’ll enjoy it even more. Still, I’d love to have a peek inside that notebook of his, just once.