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Yokoyama Nokku | |
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| Original Name | Yamada Isamu |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1932 |
| Place of Birth | Kobe |
Yokoyama Nokku is one of the most famous talents in Kansai. He is popular both for his unique character and as Governor of Osaka Prefecture.
After working as a translator for GHQ, in 1956, he joined "Takarazuka-shigeiza" and in the following year he became a student of Akita A-suke and B-suke who were Manzai performers. He was given the name, Akita K-suke, and performed manzai with Akita O-suke. After he changed his name to Yokoyama Nokku and performed with Yokoyama Out. He and two other performers, Fukku and Punch formed a group called 'Manga-Trio.' They were famous for satirical performances dealing with current affairs, and won one of the prizes of Kamigata-Manzai in 1968. They made people laugh about contemporary events. Soon, after that, they broke up.
Then, he stood for the election of the House of Councilors, and was elected four times. And now, he is Governor of Osaka Prefecture and is doing his best, although he is called 'the zany king.' Whether the government of Osaka will improve or not, will depend upon his ability.
He participated Hiroko Koshino's show in "Osaka collection.2"
In 1997, Namihaya-Kokutai (an annual national Olympic-type event) was held in Osaka and he did his best to make it succeed it.
References: Gendai Nihonjinmeiroku, 1994 p.610-11
Reported by: Kenji Sawa
Data verified by: Mikako Mizutani
Updated by: Yoshimi Morikawa, October 1997
Updated by: Yasunobu Kusunoki & Asako Itsumi, October 1998
Date of Report: November 1995