In a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, comedian Fumi Abe made his debut and had the audience rolling with laughter. Fumi, known for his unique perspective as a Japanese-American, shared his experiences of learning Japanese from textbooks and the challenges he faces when trying to be more informal.
Fumi explained that his formal style of Japanese often makes his dates sound like he’s negotiating a treaty rather than trying to have a romantic conversation. He hilariously recounted a recent incident where he tried to express how amazing something felt, but instead, he ended up saying, “I derive many pleasures.” Needless to say, his date was confused, and Fumi jokingly compared himself to a diplomat discussing the Treaty of Versailles.
The talented comedian also touched upon his journey in pursuing a career in comedy. Fumi shared an amusing anecdote about his parents’ concern when he first started out. They sat him down for a “talk” and expressed their doubt about his choice, mentioning that he wasn’t even the funniest person in the family and that there was no money to be made in comedy. Fumi, however, quickly realized that wealth and success in the entertainment industry often come from having rich parents who can conveniently cover all expenses. He playfully joked about meeting friends who could afford luxuries like massages without the need for a Groupon.
As an immigrant’s child, Fumi noted that his parents never taught him how to handle money and build wealth. This resulted in some awkward situations when he received a significant amount of money from a corporate show. While his comedian friends were splurging on Teslas and Rolex watches, Fumi confessed that he simply upgraded to the premium brand of rice available at the grocery store. He humorously compared the fancy purchases of his friends to his modest choice of premium rice, emphasizing the stark contrast.
Delving into the generational theme, Fumi touched upon the economic struggles faced by Millennials. With a playful interaction with the audience, he asked Millennials in the crowd to applaud and continued by requesting applause from those who own a house. After a lackluster response, he humorously remarked that the few who clapped were probably tourists from Ohio. Fumi then highlighted the financial difficulties faced by many young people and hinted at the need for more people to pool resources and invest together in order to afford homes in today’s challenging economy.
Fumi’s insightful yet comical take on Millennials and their struggle with finances struck a chord with the audience. He poked fun at the idea of the popular trend of polyamorous relationships being driven by a need for more partners to contribute to a down payment on a house rather than a sexual awakening. The audience couldn’t get enough of his clever observations and relatable humor.
Fumi Abe‘s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon was a smashing success, leaving everyone in stitches. His unique blend of cultural and generational comedy resonated with the audience and showcased his talent as a rising star in the comedy scene. With his sharp wit and relatable storytelling, Fumi Abe is definitely a comedian to watch out for.
Be sure to catch Fumi Abe at The Improv in Irvine, California, on January 10th, where he is sure to bring the house down with his hilarious stand-up routine.
