Next month, Tokyo is set to welcome one of the most provocative voices in stand-up comedy. Anthony Jeselnik, known for his dark humor and razor-sharp wit, is bringing his "Bones and All" tour to Asia, with Tokyo being one of the stops on Aug 5 at Yamano Hall in Shibuya. It marks Jeselnik's first time performing stand-up in Japan.
Jeselnik, who has appeared on "Conan," "The Tonight Show," "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," has carved out a unique niche in the comedy scene. His absurdity and brutal honesty define his unique appeal. His comedy often tackles taboo subjects with a fearless and unapologetic style that his fans love him for.
His delivery is also a hallmark of his style. Often speaking with a calm, composed demeanor, his deadpan expression sharply contrasts with his material's absurd and sometimes morbid content. The audience is usually either in tears of laughter or thoroughly offended.
Anyone new to Jeselnik should expect a blend of discomfort and laughter. Jeselnik's willingness to joke about sensitive topics and events has often sparked criticism. His comedy has sometimes incited backlash, with some calling his jokes tasteless or problematic.
Despite this, Jeselnik has maintained that pushing boundaries is essential to comedy. In 2012, Jeselnik sparked outrage for joking about a victim of a shark attack in New Zealand. During a bit on his then TV show, "The Jeselnik Offensive," he praised shark attacks — pointing out that humans kill more s.