Yuriyan Retriever’s U.S. Debut Draws Criticism, But Experts Praise Her Talent

Comedian Yuriyan Retriever has made headlines by announcing her move to the American entertainment industry.

The “Sota Fujii” of the comedy world

Yuriyan Retriever graduated at the top of her class from Yoshimoto Kogyo’s comedy training school “NSC Osaka” in 2013. The following year, she won the Grand Prize at the “Newcomer Comedy Amagasaki Grand Prize.” By her second year in the industry, in 2015, she reached the finals of the “R-1 Grand Prix” (formerly known as “R-1 Grand Prix”), which determines the best solo comedian in Japan. In 2017, she won both the “NHK Kamigata Manzai Contest” and the inaugural “Female Comedian No. 1 Competition THE W,” reaching the pinnacle of female comedy in just four years. 

But that’s not all. In 2021, she also won the “R-1 Grand Prix,” making her a top-tier comedian in the industry, comparable to Sota Fujii in the world of comedy.

 

Many within the comedy world hold her in high regard. For instance, Razor Ramon RG, who appeared in a VTR as Yuriyan’s recommender on “Female Comedian No. 1 Competition THE W” (Nippon TV) in 2017, described her as a “monster.” This means she excels not only at eliciting laughs through her talk but also at creating something out of nothing. While it might seem like a given that a comedian should be able to make people laugh through conversation, few achieve this perfectly. Only a handful of comedians can consistently deliver laughs as part of a “panel comedian” role on variety shows. 

Yuriyan’s ability to incorporate humor into any situation is remarkable. For example, even when she is discussing her background in a serious tone, she skillfully uses techniques like making funny faces or breaking the rhythm to ensure that she always manages to elicit laughter.

The phrase “creating something from nothing” likely refers to the ability to develop comedic material. This becomes clear when observing her routines. She skillfully transforms subjects that might not have seemed funny into entertaining and humorous content.

 

 

Doraemon, a Showa-era actress, and Nagaharu Yodogawa.

Notably, her representative works include “Doraemon” and “Showa-era actresses.” Additionally, in January of this year, Yuriyan’s official YouTube channel featured a promotional video for “Walt Disney Japan,” where she provided commentary on the film “The Wretched” in the style of the legendary film critic Nagaharu Yodogawa. While there have been others who impersonated Yodogawa, Yuriyan is unique in using her routine, obtaining permission from the distribution company, and delivering a detailed commentary on an actual released film while also aiming to bring humor into the mix.

 

In other words, Yuriyan is a comedian who effortlessly elicits laughter with both completely original material and traditional panel talk routines. Additionally, her ability to resonate with a wide range of age groups and humor preferences is exceptional.

 

Given her talent, it’s no surprise that there were high expectations for her success in the U.S., transcending not only age but also cultural and racial boundaries.

In 2019, Yuriyan appeared on the American audition show “America’s Got Talent.” Wearing a buzz-cut wig and a daring Stars and Stripes swimsuit, she performed a peculiar dance with exaggerated wrist movements. Although she did not advance, her performance was a hit with the audience.

Before and after the performance, she engaged in lively conversation with the judges in fluent English, repeatedly eliciting laughter and energizing the crowd. An American-based web writer commented on her performance.

“There were posts on social media claiming that the laughter at the venue was ‘mockery,’ but that’s not true at all. Not only did she perform well, but she also actively engaged with the judges in English, making people laugh throughout. She delivered American-style jokes that resonated with the audience. Since there was no script, her English skills, improvisational ability, adaptability, and quick thinking were truly impressive. I believe she has a high potential for ‘American humor.’ She didn’t seem nervous and clearly has a strong mental game as well.”

 

 

“There is only an image of success”

This means she effectively tapped into American humor. However, this time her U.S. venture is as an “actor” rather than a comedic performer. Few Japanese actors have successfully broken into Hollywood. While there are actors who have gained attention from one or two appearances in movies or TV dramas, only a few continue to have a lasting presence. On social media, there have been many critical reactions, with comments suggesting she might only face ridicule again or that she might be overestimating her abilities. 

 

“Yuriyan studied Nagaharu Yodogawa’s impersonations by watching videos during her university commute, transcribing every word and breath to memorize it. When she performed this impression on ‘Chidori no Kuse ga Sugoi Netageepee’ (now ‘Chidori no Kusesugo!’ on Fuji TV), Daigo was so impressed that he laughed heartily and remarked on how accurate her impersonation was.

 

Her ability to perceive, observe, and recreate is remarkable. Given her track record, it’s clear that her move to America was well-thought-out with how to succeed there. I can only imagine success for her.” ( Variety show production director)

 

It seems likely that Yuriyan could cause a whirlwind, or even a tornado, in Hollywood.