Ranking of popular skits and performances for entertainment segments
Entertainment and performances are essential for events like weddings, welcome and farewell parties, year-end parties, New Year’s parties, and thank-you gatherings.
You’ve probably found yourself wondering at least once, “What should I do…?”
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended entertainment ideas in a ranking format for those of you unsure of what to do.
From foolproof crowd-pleasers that make everyone laugh to trending comedian bits, we’ve collected ideas that will make you think, “I could do this!” or “I want to try that!”
When you’re stuck, be sure to use this as a reference!
Ranking of Popular Performance/Entertainment Acts (1–10)
Impersonation1rank/position
Many men probably love to liven things up with impressions, don’t they? From impersonations of celebrities and anime characters to inside jokes that only your group understands, they’re handy when you want to quickly energize the mood.
Impressions are a classic party act, so they’re also recommended if you’re considering a comedy-style performance.
Think up material that suits the occasion and fill the venue with a bright, upbeat atmosphere.
Also, be prepared for jokes that might not land by having several bits ready to go.
Mei2rank/position
Mei-chan, one of the main characters in Studio Ghibli’s film My Neighbor Totoro, is a lively 4-year-old girl with strong curiosity and a stubborn streak.
She’s also famous for being the first girl to encounter Totoro and for the scene where she speaks to him.
Keep in mind her energetic way of talking that feels bold and exuberant, and the moments where her emotions seem to burst out.
To capture the vibe even more, you can mix in scenes where she can’t quite pronounce certain words straight, like “corn” or “tadpole,” within her straightforward emotional expressions.
chorus3rank/position
Choral singing is perfect for strengthening a class’s teamwork and bonds, isn’t it? It’s often done in music class or in preparation for competitions, but it also works great as a performance for events.
You can re-present something you’ve sung in the past, or secretly gather everyone to practice and take on a new song.
The practice time itself will become a wonderful memory, so be sure to work together and give it your best.
Let’s unite our hearts and make the secret performance a success.
Ear delinquentsViking Kotoge4rank/position
If you’re looking for a sudden, off-the-wall one-shot gag with no real context, how about trying the “Ear Biker Gang”? You make your ears into motorcycle handlebars and rev them up, imitating the engine sound with your mouth—“vroom vroom.” If that’s all you do, it’s just loud, so finish it off with a punchy line—that’s the flow of the gag.
The success might hinge on what you say at the end.
If you’ve got nothing to do and nothing comes to mind, go for it—don’t be shy, give it your all!
dance5rank/position
How about trying a dance that creates a sense of unity? When it comes to dance, there are many styles—hip-hop, jazz, ballet, ballroom, and more.
For a PTA event, why not have parents and children dance together to lively routines set to music that kids are familiar with? Just seeing their parents having fun will warm the children’s hearts.
Adding choreography that involves parent–child cooperation could make for wonderful memories.
Let’s arrange something using popular trending songs and give it a try.
Sketchbook Relay6rank/position
A message relay where multiple people connect their words is a wonderful performance for expressing gratitude and encouragement.
Its simplicity—only needing a sketchbook and a pen—is also part of its popularity.
You can run this message relay on the spot, or you can record the relay in advance and play it on a screen.
Or combining those two approaches could be fun as well.
The farewell event for the sixth graders is a perfect opportunity to convey feelings that are hard to express in everyday life.
Even slightly embarrassing messages can be conveyed by putting them into a message relay!
self-introduction gagShooting Star Chuuei7rank/position
When you want to spark some smiles in those casual moments between classes or after school, Chuei from Nagareboshi’s self-introduction gag is perfect.
Created by the hilariously talented Chuei, this bit cleverly riffs on Japanese surnames to introduce himself in a way that really sticks.
With just a little courage, you can flip the mood of the room, and it’s sure to turn you into the class mood-maker.
It’s especially recommended for times like the start of a new term, when you want people to remember your name.
Taking the lead to liven things up can also be a chance to make more friends—so why not give it a try?
Magic8rank/position
How about performing some magic at your class reunion? When people hear “magic,” some may think it sounds difficult.
But there are simple tricks, too—like making a single handkerchief suddenly multiply, or having two tied ropes come undone in an instant.
While it does take some preparation to set up your tricks in advance, using store-bought props makes it easier.
It’s also fun to team up with friends and try illusions like sword-through or levitation.
Using the revealed methods available online can make these easier to tackle as well.
Since a class reunion gathers lots of friends, it’s the perfect chance to give illusions a try!
Impersonation of Natsuko Yokozawa9rank/position
Comedian Natsuko Yokozawa has gained popularity for her impressions that capture everyday scenes we tend to overlook.
Her expressive power and keen insight in sketches like her signature “Music Teacher” and “Slightly Annoying Woman” make anyone nod in recognition.
They’re great as easy one-shot gags you can use anywhere from big parties to small drinking gatherings.
However, bits that evoke a specific person present can lead to awkwardness later, so check who’s attending before deciding on your material.
TT BrothersChocolate Planet10rank/position
Chocolate Planet’s TT Brothers is a bit that’s fun for its catchy rhythm and movements.
The two shout “T!” while repeatedly making a T shape with their arms—a simple move that’s visually funny and addictively entertaining, which is why it became explosively popular.
When doing an impression, the trick is to keep a snappy rhythm with “T! T!” and make the movements big and easy to see.
It gets even more exciting with more people, creating a chain reaction of laughs through continuous motions.
The coordinated moves and call-and-response are also fun, making it perfect to perform as a group.
It’s a gag that energizes the crowd and instantly pulls everyone in.
