Odd Foreign Women Comedians Coming Up "Double"

Isabel & Bene

Japan is now experiencing a comedy boom and an uncommon female comedy duo is on the way to stardom. Isabel, one of the manzai pair, was born to Japanese and French parents, while Bene was born to Slovakia and Senegalese parents. Many readers may already know them since they often appear on TV and radio. While Isabel was born in Japan, Bene was born in Senegal, but came to Japan when she was seven years old. They have been close friends since attending the same school.

Bene describes Isabel this way, "While she has the natural innocence of a fool, she has a strong character. She spends some time being serious and some time being foolish. Isabel is good at balancing between the two." On the other hand, Isabel describes Bene like this, "Bene looks overwhelming and is often shouting 'Watch it!' on TV, in fact, she is very feminine. It is also nice she can say 'No' clearly." Both of them say "As we are always together, we have come to resemble each other, especially in our eyes and smiles. Although our heights and skin color are completely different, some people ask whether we are twins."

In Japan, children born to parents of different nationalities are generally called "half," but in the comedy duo's introduction leaflet, they are referred to as "double." Isabel says, "I don't like to be called 'half.' I am looked at as a foreigner by Japanese and contrarily I am looked at as a Japanese by non-Japanese. We are like milk tea, the taste of which improves when blended." Both say the good part of being "double" is language. Isabel speaks French, Japanese, English and Spanish. She used to only speak with her father in Japanese. Bene goes one better than Isabel and also speaks Slovak. She says her family speaks in many languages, but there is never any confusion.

They wanted to be a stage actress and a model
Furthermore, non-Japanese female comedy duos who crack jokes in Japanese are rare. Before her debut, Isabel wanted to be a stage actress, while Bene wanted to be a model. They applied for an audition at an entertainment production company, which was actually looking for comedy talents. As a result, they became comedy talents. They made their debut on the day of the star festival (July 7, 1999). Isabel recalls, "I was too nervous before appearing on the stage for the first time and vomited five times. I appeared on the stage with a pale face and was panicking so much that I wanted to flee."

The pair is busy with TV, radio and events, and are aiming at high goals. Their dream is to become a "super gaitare (foreign talents) who can perform everything from variety to drama and MC. Bene says, "I want our appearance to be as gorgeous as the Kano sisters, but I don't want to do the same things other female entertainers do." Isabel adds she wants to be funny and draw intelligent laughs like "Bakusho-Mondai," who use current topics in their comic banter.

Now they are taking on a musical
Both of them are working on the preparation of the musical "Banzai." The story features: Bene, a student from America, learning Japanese and its culture in rural Japan, where many interesting things happen. With her eyes shining, Bene says about her main role, "Since this is my first musical, I am very excited." Bene's Japanese skills are as good as a native's, but she is now learning broken Japanese for the musical. Isabel acts as a Japanese classmate who becomes friendly with Bene. Her boyfriend approaches Bene and a love triangle develops.

"Banzai! the musical" is a unique, original musical featuring Japanese and non-Japanese talent working together to show the fun and excitement of living in a foreign land. The show is scheduled for early next year. Preparations and rehearsals keep them busy.

In their private lives, Bene and Isabel resemble twins, but their taste in men is completely different. Bene exclaims, "I like macho types who like martial artists like Ray SEFO (New Zealander). I love a person who has surprising aspects. For instance a guy who looks arrogant but turns out to be gentle." Isabel on the other hand, says "I prefer a funny man who is intelligent and looks good in glasses."

The charming duo has a brightness and flamboyance air that Japanese do not have, and create an enjoyable atmosphere when conversing. They must make further steps as "double."

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