Takeshi Kitano joins friend Joji Tokoro on his latest comedy album

by Chris MaGee

Here's a fun little item courtesy of Japan Zone. If you've seen then Hayao Miyazaki's last film "Ponyo" you've literally heard Joji Tokoro before. The 55-year-old comedian/ TV personality/ singer voiced the character of Fujimoto, the father of the titular fish girl. In Japan Tokoro is a hugely popular entertainer, appearing on numerous TV shows and releasing a series of zany comedy albums (he's also the voice of "Alf" in the Japanese-dubbed version of the show). His latest comedy album "Kokekokko!" features a very special guest on a number of tracks. Yes, he's right there on the album cover - it's Takeshi Kitano. Tokoro and Kitano have been close friends for a number of years, both appearing on screen and hanging out off screen. While a thorough search of the web didn't result in any of the rock, enka, and pop-influenced tracks that make up Tokoro's latest album I did manage to track down this short clip of the two comedians hamming it up on Japanese TV. Looks like Kitano is having a good laugh with his trademark Komenichi pose while Tokoro is trying to strum a tune.