The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi #329 Japanese Clams with Atsuko Okatsuka
Nov 18, 2025
Atsuko Okatsuka, a stand-up comedian and writer, dives into her fascinating family history, sharing insights about her grandmother's struggles under martial law in Taiwan. She humorously discusses learning English through cartoons and her mother's intimacy needs, sparking a conversation about the ethics of sex work. The chat touches on balancing personal stories with political themes in comedy, navigating international performance challenges, and the importance of style and presentation on stage. Plus, Atsuko's take on bananas brings unexpected laughs!
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Family Trauma From Taiwan's White Terror
- Atsuko recounts her grandfather being murdered under Taiwan's KMT martial law to intimidate a political opponent.
- Her grandmother raised three kids alone while preserving his photo and never dated again.
Historical Trauma Shapes Modern Politics
- Martial law under the KMT produced long-lasting intergenerational wounds and political divides in Taiwan.
- Those wounds shape present debates about independence versus reunification with China.
Balancing Care, Medication, And Her Mom's Needs
- Atsuko describes her mom's schizophrenia and epilepsy and how medications conflict, forcing trade-offs in treatment.
- She explores seeking sex work or specialized caregivers to help her mom's loneliness and sexuality safely.
