(the) Road to the Deep East

Comedian Beat Takeshi, orKitano Takeshi generally known as movie director , criticized the comedian who became the runner for Beijing Olympic 2008.

This runner was Hagimoto Kinichi, 66 years-old, widely known as 'Kin-chan'. This veteran is the person who was very popular in 70s to early 80s, just before Beat Takeshi became popular as a comedian. I'd say, in Japanese comedy history, before Beat Takeshi era, there was Kin-chan era.

*Quick Reference: Japanese Comedy History after WW2
60s Crazy Cats era
70s Kin-chan era
80s Beat Takeshi Era
90s Down Town(Matsumoto Hitoshi) Era
00s ??

Kin-chan was selected as the runner of this most controversial relay in the world. While he was running, some protestants throw something to him, but except for that, he didn't do anything, and finished his part, without anything special.

But this point and this attendance to this relay made Takeshi as a comedian mad. In an essay in Tokyo Sports, Takeshi said:

'I said (when he heard Hagimoto wold be the runner) 'Escape with the toach', but why didn't he do? He's baka.

If I were him, I would put the fire out, or dive into the water, and I would be just thinking about gaging. Why doesn't he do something? He is crazy. Although he is a comedian, he is always thinking of love and tears. It's just fishy. There aren't any comedies.

He adores Charles Chaplin, but if he does, it's crazy to become a relay runner this time, if we think about the Tibetan human rights. He should do some performance. For example, when he put his sweat off, the letters 'Save Tibet' appears. He's not funny.'

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Some might think he criticizes Hagimoto just for his policy, but it seems that it's not political one, but just his policy as a comedian. He continues, 'Comedy is basically rebellious, isn't it? Comedians who flatters to the system is not funny. Leave it to Mr Hoshino (Senichi, the manager of national baseball team who also became the runner.) '

And to declare his neutral position, he also criticizes Zenkoji temple, who refused to set the start in the temple. 'They should made a cow the relay runner. 'Go to Zenko-ji led by a cows.' (* Old proverb means to go to somewhere with a wrong guide and misunderstanding. ) If they did , nobody would have interfered the relay, because nobody can't stop the cow. And it's very suitable style for Japanese.'

So, it seems he just thought the phenomenon caused in the country with the visit of Torch Relay is boring, and as an ex-Japanese representative comedian, he thought there is more smart and humorous way to protest against China.

Anyway, now I'm relieved that this 61 year-old comedian and movie director hasn't forgot the spirit of comedian. Especially, his words, 'Comedy is always rebellious' are so true. It looks no other younger Japanese comedians are joking about this weired situation, but Takeshi did as Beat Takeshi.

And this essay also infers that he hadn't become a boring old man like the relay runner. Especially, I liked the reference of Zenkoji cow. It is said he is preparing the next movie, but now I'm very looking forward to it as a Kitano Takeshi fan.