is a Japanese comedy duo consisting of Yūji Tanaka and Hikari Ōta under the entertainment agency, Titan Inc. The comedians first met when they were students in the Department of

Fine Arts In European academic traditions, fine art is developed primarily for aesthetics or creative expression, distinguishing it from decorative art or applied art, which also has to serve some practical function, such as pottery or most metalwork ...

Nihon University , abbreviated as , is a private university, private research university in Japan. Its predecessor, Nihon Law School (currently the Department of Law), was founded by Yamada Akiyoshi, the Minister of Justice (Japan), Minister of Justice, in 1889. ...

, and they formed Bakushō Mondai in 1988 after dropping out of school. The name of the duo means literally "burst into/roaring laughter", "problem/question". The ''

tsukkomi The following glossary of words and terms (generally of Japanese origin) are related to ''owarai'' (Japanese comedy). Many of these terms may be used in areas of Japanese culture beyond comedy, including television and radio, music. Some have be ...

'' of the two, Tanaka, had a

testicle A testicle or testis (plural testes) is the male reproductive gland or gonad in all bilaterians, including humans. It is homologous to the female ovary. The functions of the testes are to produce both sperm and androgens, primarily testostero ...

removed because of

testicular cancer Testicular cancer is cancer that develops in the testicles, a part of the male reproductive system. Symptoms may include a lump in the testicle, or swelling or pain in the scrotum. Treatment may result in infertility. Risk factors include an u ...

, and this frequently elicits jokes by the group's '' boke'', Ōta, as well as other personalities that they may be performing with. Ōta is generally the higher profile of the two, and frequently dominates shows that they host with his long-winded speeches. From August 1995 through November 1997, Bakushō Mondai was involved with the broadcasting of a number of

SoundLink Magazine The is a satellite modem peripheral produced by Nintendo for the Super Famicom in 1995. Containing 1 megabyte of ROM space and an additional 512 kB of RAM, Satellaview allowed players to download games, magazines, and other media through satel ...

s and Games to owners of the Nintendo

Satellaview The is a satellite modem peripheral produced by Nintendo for the Super Famicom in 1995. Containing 1 megabyte of ROM space and an additional 512 kB of RAM, Satellaview allowed players to download games, magazines, and other media through satell ...

system: * - SoundLink Magazine (3 days per week between August 1995 - March 1996) * - SoundLink Magazine (April 1996 - March 1997)Kameb
スーパーファミコンアワー番組表
. The Satellaview History Museum. 12 February 2008. * - SoundLink Game (June 1997 - November 1997) The duo currently host many

variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

and

quiz show A game show is a genre of broadcast viewing entertainment (radio, television, internet, stage or other) where contestants compete for a reward. These programs can either be participatory or demonstrative and are typically directed by a host, sh ...

s, as well as commenting on the occasional radio broadcast.

Awards

In 2006, Bakushō Mondai won an "Art Encouragement" award from the

Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology The is a member of the Cabinet of Japan and is the leader and chief executive of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The minister is nominated by the Prime Minister of Japan and is appointed by the Emperor of Japa ...

recognizing them as facets of modern Japanese culture. They have also won various other awards in the past, including the Golden Arrow award for entertainment in 1997.

References

External links

Bakushō Mondai's profile

Press release about award
Japanese comedy duos Nihon University alumni {{Owarai-stub