[Simple Impressions] Fun Classic Bits Even Beginners Can Do [2026]

Koyuki by Ganbareruya Yoshiko

Ganbareruya’s Yoshiko transforms into “Koyuki” for an event, offering comments in full actress mode

Ganbareruya are everywhere on TV and radio.

And the face of the duo has to be Yoshiko, the tsukkomi.

Her go-to gag when she’s cornered—shouting “Kuso ga!!” (“Damn it!!”)—is a rock-solid crowd-pleaser.

No matter where you are, it instantly sets off a wave of laughter.

“Kuso” is a word you wouldn’t normally want to use in front of everyone, but ever since Yoshiko’s gag went mainstream, it feels like its image has gotten just a little bit milder.

If you can prepare a long-haired wig, definitely add her impression of actress Koyuki, which Yoshiko often does, to the mix.

Rararai Gymnastics

“Rararai Exercises” return after 4 years! Fujisaki Market: “We’ll show you how rhythm gags are done by the veterans!” at “Japan Girls Expo 2015 Spring” #FujisakiMarket

Fujisaki Market became a hit with the “Lalalalai” song and the exercises that go with it, didn’t they? There are a few versions of the “Lalalalai Gymnastics,” and they’re still funny even now.

Since it’s easy to turn everyday things into material, doing an impression using the Lalalalai Gymnastics with some inside jokes at a party would probably be a big hit.

Shimamanz

Feb 22, 2017: “Cheers, Shimashimans.”

How about Teruo Fujii’s gag money from Shimashimanz, the duo formed in 1989? There are various bits, but I recommend the one where he just bulges his eyes and shouts, “Waaah!!” It’s a bit niche, but it makes an impact even on people who don’t know him, and those who do will love it.

Norio Nishikawa

Impersonation of Norio Nishikawa

Speaking of easy ones, there’s the impression of Norio Nishikawa from the manzai duo “Norio & Yoshio.” Basically, if you imitate his raspy voice and shout things like “Hohokekyo” or “Tsuttakataa,” you’ve got Master Norio.

With a bit of adaptation, you could probably also do Tetsu from “Jarinko Chie,” whom Master Norio voiced.

Apple-chan

Ringo-chan changes character under hypnosis? Her signature impressions are sealed away, but she sings and dances with all her might! Pre-release event for the film “Dance with Me.”

Ringo-chan is a comedian with an amazing vocal range that, despite her cute appearance, isn’t too excessively wide—just right.

One moment she’s chatting in a sweet voice, and the next, when she starts singing, she switches to a deep, powerful tone to do impressions of Hound Dog or Tetsuya Takeda’s songs.

That gap is what makes it so funny.

For impressions, you really want to prioritize the quality of the singing, don’t you?

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utatane

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Yokoyama Yasushi

2011/6/6 (157) Yasushi Yokoyama

He passed away in January 1996 at the age of 51, but one of the classic comedians who’s still frequently impersonated is Yasushi Yokoyama.

There are various versions, such as the archetypal Kansai uncle who gets angry and snaps with his catchphrase, “Okorude, shikashi!” and the frantic bit where he drops his glasses and searches around saying, “Megane, megane.” Saburō Ōhira is well known for impersonating him.

pink telephone

Nihon Elekitel Rengo “Pink Telephone”

How about doing an impression of the female comedy duo Pink no Denwa (Pink Telephone)? It’s recommended for women who can produce a high-pitched voice.

Since you can carry it with vocal energy, you might not need to worry too much about what you actually say.

It could work well if the partner plays it with a calmer, lower voice for contrast.

They were especially active from the late 1980s to the 1990s, so it’s likely to go over well with people in their 50s and 60s.

Be careful not to hurt your throat by overdoing the impression!

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Araki Jakkan

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