Just a few years ago, Western stand-up comedy had barely any stage presence in Japan. Now, it has established a firm foothold, centered on the Tokyo Comedy Bar (TCB) and the Tokyo International Comedy Festival (TICF).
The festival returns for its second edition from Thursday through Sept. 21, featuring 60 shows across eight venues. Hosted by TCB, the central hub of Western-style stand-up in Japan since opening in 2022, TICF blends visiting international headliners with local talent for a diverse program.
“Last year’s festival was a real gamble and an incredible success,” says comedian and TCB owner B.J. Fox. “This year, our main goal is expansion with more shows, more venues and bigger guests.”
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