Yuriko Kotani is originally from Japan but moved London well over a decade ago. This has been a turbulent time, but her story is not only hilarious but inspiring.
From the time of her move Kotani has had to adapt to the many cultural differences that come with living in the UK. These were all the small and annoying things like figuring out a water tanker, dealing with letting agents and of course the general public. Kotani is hysterical when she tells stories of the British idiots she has encountered over the years. From shouting hello in every eastern Asian language to the embarrassing tattoos in Japanese script that mean something entirely different that intended, Yuriko has the crowd roaring with laughter. This is no better than when she shows a reviewer the error of their ways.
Kotani is humorously blunt, confident and unrelentingly optimistic. There are a handful of surprising yet wonderfully foolish performances within this show that you will just have to go and see to understand. But I will tell you, she is committed.
Beyond the menial fools she so admirably shrugs off, Kotani has had to deal with some seriously tough times. A yearning for home and a heartbreak have been difficult but the journey to Kotani’s recovery is just fantastically funny. She committed to self-help, and in doing so had to look inwards to talk to her anxiety as represented as a kaiju (think Godzilla). Her set is filled with daft puns and some exceedingly well-written material that has the audience cracking up.
While Kotani has still not been home since the beginning of the pandemic, she is finding joy in doing what she loves, making people laugh. It’s an uplifting story that will leave your heart filled and a smile on your face. I urge you to go and see this show.
Yuriko Kotani: Kaiju About
19:10 at Pleasance Dome (Venue 23)
August 11 – 14, 16 – 29
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22Yuriko%20Kotani%3A%20Kaiju%20About%22
