Pankun and James: A Japanese comedic duo
Pankun and James: A Japanese comedic duo
Jess Koni and Horace C. White
Modern Tokyo Times
Who would have thought that a bulldog and a chimpanzee could ever be friends? Well, it’s possible. All you have to do is look at the Japanese duo of Pankun (the chimpanzee) and James (the bulldog). They are the best of friends, but that’s not all.
Pankun and James are also a great comedic duo. Pankun and his trainer are both known for wearing overalls and red bandannas. Pankun has also been known to wear other outfits, including a chef’s hat and coat in one of the most famous clips. James, meanwhile, is not known for wearing costumes, but he can definitely steal a scene, such as when he jumps on Pankun’s sled and slides down a hill. All the while, he is trying to chew up the sled.
They can often be seen together in YouTube clips from the “Tensai! Shimura Dōbutsuen” program. They first started making appearances in that program several years ago. The show, which was hosted by popular Japanese comedian Ken Shimura, often paired people with interesting, funny and smart animals. In fact, its name translates to “Genius! Shimura Zoo”.
Pankun and James Clips:
Of course, Pankun and James didn’t just appear on the show. Their clips were usually comedy routines involving them doing everyday tasks. For example, one of their most famous clips is of them attending cooking class. While James lazily looks on, seemingly unimpressed, Pankun is put in charge of mixing, rolling and even stomping on dough to make noodles.
In another funny clip, Pankun’s trainer hands him James’ leash and a card with a picture of some shoes on it. It is then up to Pankun to walk James into town, where they have to go shopping and find that pair of shoes. Unfortunately, they wind up finding the wrong pair of shoes, resulting in a lot of laughs.
Another funny Pankun and James clip features the comedic duo buying bug catching gear. The two of them then go out and have a good time trying to catch bugs together. The clip is so cute that thousands of people have viewed it on YouTube.
Pankun And James Around The World:
Thanks to the popularity of Pankun and James, their clips have been shown on various TV shows in Japan and other countries. Versions of their clips have appeared in popular TV shows in India, Thailand and Taiwan. Also, thanks to the Internet, they have been seen by fans in the USA, England, Canada, and around the world.
Where They Are Now:
Unfortunately, Pankun and James don’t really do TV shows anymore. However, they still do live shows at the zoo where Pankun lives. It is called Cuddly Dominion Zoo. The duo still enjoys pleasing the zoo crowds in Kyūshū, Japan.
Although Pankun and James do not do a lot of TV shows now, the clips of this comedic duo will live on forever.
Youtube Clips (Pankun & James):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UN1vGwPVmM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgeLoFNh9gM&feature=related
http://moderntokyotimes.com
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