Batsune Balances Night Shifts in Kabukicho with M-1 Ambitions — Inspired by a Fateful Encounter

From a monthly income of 1 million yen to zero savings

“Unfortunately, I don’t have much work right now but honestly, I don’t hate where I am.”

The comedian Batsune (37), whom we hadn’t seen in a while, was smiling brightly.

In 2016, he gained sudden attention after appearing on Sanma’s Comedy Improvement Committee (Fuji TV) as the most recommended comedian of his senior colleague, Abareru-kun. On Land, Sea, and Air: Conquering the Earth at This Hour (TV Asahi), he was in charge of the “Drone Earth” segment, capturing breathtaking landscapes around the world with a drone. From Iceland to Mexico, he chased world’s first aerial footage that earned high ratings — it was the moment his big break arrived.

“Before that, I had no real work — just endless part-time jobs. I had zero income from comedy, to the point where calling myself a comedian felt embarrassing. Then Abareru-san introduced me on the show, and that completely changed my life.”

Soon, he landed a regular TV spot, and offers to appear at events started pouring in.

“I remember thinking, ‘Oh, maybe I’ve made it!’”

As the jobs increased, so did his income. Batsune gazed off into the distance as he recalled it.

“Before I became successful, I lived on just 80,000 yen a month. Once I started getting TV work, my monthly income sometimes exceeded 1 million yen. That’s more than ten times what I used to make. It really was like living a dream.”

But the peak didn’t last long. With a rueful smile, he admitted, “There were many reasons, but the biggest was that I got carried away.”

“I was too optimistic, thinking the good times would just keep rolling. My attitude toward work got lazy — I’d just show up wherever they wanted me, without putting real effort into it. I’d be talking on set but already thinking about the next gig in my head. Looking back, I’m ashamed of how hollow I was back then.”

Even though he earned a fortune, not a single yen was left. Yet his pride wouldn’t let him go back to doing part-time work.

“When I had money, I’d take taxis everywhere, even for short trips, and only eat at expensive restaurants. I bought designer clothes — I was spending way beyond my means. When my savings ran out, I still refused to get a part-time job because of this weird pride, thinking a comedian can’t do that. I was stuck.”

But to survive, he had to find a way to make money. So, Batsune made a decision.

“I started a share house. I was living alone in a 7-tatami one-room apartment, and I let my junior comedian friend, Kagoshima Taro, move in. Later, another comedian, Happy Endo, joined us — and the three of us started living together. I really had no other choice at that point.”

Even then, life was tough. He was constantly chasing payments and began borrowing money from friends.

“I was completely broke and ended up borrowing from so many people. It was a total juggling act. When I couldn’t manage anymore, I started working part-time at a hotel near Kabukicho, doing front desk shifts. Surprisingly, it wasn’t bad — I got to talk with all kinds of people, and the quiet atmosphere gave me time to really think. In the end, I’m glad I did it.”

A call from Kubozuka

While working weekends at the hotel, Bazzone started YouTube. This was a turning point.

I started doing tricks on YouTube that were modeled after my favorite actor, Yosuke Kubozuka (46), without his permission. I arranged lines from “Ikebukuro West Gate Park” (TBS) and the movie “Go” to make it sound a bit silly, and it was quite popular.

One day, I received a message from Kubozuka himself via SNS. One day, I received a message from Kubozuka himself via SNS.

Meet me in Shibuya.

When I opened my phone, I saw a DM from Kubozuka. At first I thought it was a surprise. But when I actually went to Shibuya, he was really there. The moment Mr. Kubozuka appeared in front of me, my heart almost stopped.

Kubozuka gently wrapped his arms around Bazzone, who was trembling with nervousness.

I thought he was going to be mad at me, but he gave me a big hug and my …… vision opened up and brightened up. I felt saved both as a performer and as a person.”

This encounter led to Kubozuka’s appearance on Batsune’s YouTube show. The video received 1.17 million views and attracted attention once again.

Kubotsuka’s video has received 1.17 million views since then, and he has appeared on the show about once a year. Last year, I was invited to Kubozuka’s 30th anniversary party. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

What does that mean?

In the past, every time I finished a job, I used to get depressed and think, “I didn’t get anything done today. Now I am thankful that I got the job and happy that I was able to do it. Thanks to meeting people like Kubozuka-san and Abare-san, who lighten my heart just by talking to them, my way of thinking has changed a lot. I want to return the favor somehow.”

What does he mean by returning the favor? When asked about his goals for the future, Batsune’s words were filled with even more passion.

Last year, I formed a new comedy duo, Firefly Squid, and resumed comedy in earnest. My partner is a junior at the same office, and we started from scratch to create our own material. The name of the duo was given to us by Daigo (45) of Chidori on his show. It expresses our wish to shine a light out of the darkness.

From now on, I would like to expand our activities as a duo, and I would like to continue winning at M-1 and someday make it to the finals. Once again, we want to go on TV and be on the top of our game in the gory comedy shows, and have people laugh at us when they see us being funny and being played for laughs–that’s our goal.

I understood the reason for his cheerful expression.