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[Hilarious] Rhythm Gags That Kill at Parties and Performances

If you had to perform a comedy bit for a party piece or stage act, what would you do?

Many people probably think that rhythm-based routines might get the crowd more excited than standard sketches, manzai, or one-liner gags.

It’s true—rhythm comedy can really bring the venue together, especially when you get the audience clapping along or singing!

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of recommended rhythm-based comedy routines.

We’ve picked a mixed lineup of classics and the latest buzzworthy acts—old and new—so feel free to use it as a reference!

[Hilarious] Rhythm Skits That Kill at Parties and Performances (1–10)

WakachikoYutty

This is Yutty’s bit where the phrase and rhythm “Wakachiko Wakachiko” are oddly funny; it’s a rhythm-based gag that’s handy because you can tack this refrain onto almost any comedy routine and it’ll feel legit.

Make sure the costume matches the vibe, too.

I’ve heard “Wakachiko” is quoted from the intro of Shonentai’s song “Decameron Densetsu.”

tale of valorOriental Radio

The legendary feats of Oriental Radio that defined an era
tale of valor Oriental Radio

Oriental Radio, who also gained popularity with RADIO FISH’s “PERFECT HUMAN,” used to perform their legendary ‘Bragging Stories’ bit when they debuted! It seems like they’re hyping up Acchan’s exploits—but not really? Yet in the end they still chant, “Acchan is so cool,” and hype him up anyway! It’s great for a no-holds-barred skit between senior and junior, or between two coworkers! If you’re playing Acchan, just act cool no matter what happens.

Look at your right elbow and left elbow alternately.2700

2700 'Look at your right elbow, left elbow alternately' (PV FULL ver)
Look at your right elbow and left elbow alternately.2700

We hardly ever look at elbows—other people’s or even our own.

Here’s a bit that focuses on elbows and basically just wants you to look at them: “Look at your right elbow, left elbow, alternately.” In time with that rhythm, you stick out your right and left elbows in turn and show them off.

That’s all there is to it, so you can do it anytime with no prep at all! Just make sure to moisturize your elbows—ones that aren’t rough and scratchy are better, I think.

[Hilarious] Rhythm Gags That Kill at Parties and Performances (11–20)

PPAPPikotaro

PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen Official) Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen / PIKOTARO (Pikotaro)
PPAP Piko-Taro

The video “Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen” uploaded to a video site became a worldwide hit.

It’s presented as a character produced by the comedian Daimaou Kosaka, but that’s part of the comedy bit’s vibe as well.

There’s an audio track, it’s simple, and it doesn’t require much preparation—so you might as well jump in and try it with momentum.

If you have a pen and a toy apple, it’ll likely hype things up even more.

When someone serious who usually doesn’t do funny stuff performs it, the contrast doubles the laughs! The trick is to keep a straight face while you perform.

Harry PotterYuriyan Retriever

Yuriyan Retriever’s piano bit with a variety of gags.

She starts by performing famous classical pieces often played on the piano, but inevitably gets pulled into “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter partway through.

The key to this bit is being able to play the classical pieces solidly up until you get to “from Harry Potter”! So this is definitely a chance for experienced pianists to shine.

You could even transition straight into an all-out performance of “from Harry Potter.”

But I don’t care about that!Yoshio Kojima

Announcement!? Who cares about that! We’re doing the Kojima Yoshio-style performance again this year!
But I don't care about that! Yoshio Kojima

Sonna no Kankei Nee, performed almost naked wearing just a swimsuit and featuring its unique choreography, became hugely popular, so everyone from kids to adults knows it, right? If you’re going to do it as a party act, you’ll want to commit to high-energy moves and, of course, the outfit.

By the way, there also seems to be an English version and songs remixed using this bit, so there are lots of ways to imitate it.

idiot tempoAxel Hopper

An outrageous challenge to “Axel Hopper”! ‘Charappa VTR #1’ Yuichiro Nagai Channel
idiot tempo Axel Hopper

Here’s a rhythm-based bit I’d love for you to try, wearing a flashy suit and a pair of sketchy-looking sunglasses: Accel Hopper’s “Baka Tempo.” When you sing meaningless words rhythmically, for some reason it starts to feel funny for the performer too, doesn’t it? I think it’s best if you come up with your own material for the content of the routine.

It’s also convenient that you don’t need a partner—you can do it solo.