Wonderful entertainment/performances

[Hilarious] Rhythm Gags That Kill at Parties and Performances

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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 Gags That Kill at Parties and Performances (51–60)

Critical HitEverybody

[Omoshiro-so] Everybody “Critical Hit” #shorts

Critical HitEverybody

A sketch that symbolizes the two of Everybody, rhythmically portraying the moment a man’s heart is struck and he falls in love.

It’s a simple structure of words conveying affection and the expression that they’ve been received, but by incorporating choreography, it invites a more lingering, attentive viewing.

When the woman is expressing her feelings, the man simply stares—this playful contrast between the one who moves and the one who stays still is a key point.

When you do move, go all out; be mindful of your facial expressions as well, and convey an overall lively atmosphere.

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stone-roasted sweet potatoHenderson

[Official] Henderson Stone-Roasted Sweet Potato [With Lyrics]

stone-roasted sweet potato Henderson

A manzai duo consisting of Koyasu as the tsukkomi (straight man) and Nakamura as the boke (funny man).

They’re 29th-term graduates of Osaka NSC, making them contemporaries of Mitorizu—currently breaking big—and Yoshida, hugely popular with high school girls.

Henderson’s most surefire routine, “Ishiyaki-imo,” is strangely rewatchable and sticks in your ears.

Once you learn the basic song, you can pretty much ride the momentum, so it’s great for people who don’t have much time to practice.

The love story that unfolds from the famous “Ishiyaki-imo~” phrase delivers the satisfaction of a feature-length film.

If you’re on the fence, definitely go with this bit!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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DansonBambino

Bambino performs SoftBank’s Danson student-discount skit

Danson Bambino

Deep in the jungle lives an indigenous tribe called the Dancing Fisson, who lure in prey by dancing when they spot it and hunt it there.

Bambino’s “Danson,” which riffs on their rhythm, is great fun, and if you can dance it well, it’s sure to be a big hit.

Try practicing to synchronize the two of you.

By the way, the song that plays when they exit the stage is Himekami’s “Song of the Gods.”

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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A la la la la longShiomariacchi

Shiomariachi 'A la la la la long'

A la la la la long Shiomariachi

Shiomariachi, who’s in high demand on comedy shows.

When you think of him, you think of his rhythm bit set to “A la la la la long,” right? It’s crafted as a song that rides a reggae-style sound and describes bizarre, mysterious situations.

One fun aspect is how the story progresses while he rhymes—like with lines such as “ana kara meron” (melon from a hole).

It could be fun to perform an original piece and weave in your own original rhymes as well.

Also, since this bit relies a lot on flip cards and costumes, I definitely recommend incorporating those.

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In conclusion

We introduced recommended rhythm-based acts for parties and performances, mixing both classic and recent ones.

We covered everything from TV-famous bits to the timeless staples everyone thinks of when they hear “rhythm act.” Singing, dancing, even playing instruments—rhythm routines are packed with elements that work great for entertainment, so they’re sure to liven things up! Use the rhythm acts we introduced here as inspiration and give them a try!