Unpacking Japan Tokyo Hoe Tales: How Yurie Collins is bringing stand-up comedy to Japan
Nov 25, 2025
Yurié Collins, a half-Japanese, half-American comedian and actress, shares her journey navigating cultural identities in Japan and the U.S. She discusses her viral TikTok success, the challenges of bilingual stand-up, and the nuances of performing in Japanese. Humorously reflecting on the Tokyo comedy scene, she dives into adapting material for different audiences, including politics and body image. With aspirations to grow her bilingual comedy and create dark comedic content, Yurié proves that laughter can bridge cultural divides.
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From Wakayama To Acting In The U.S.
- Yurié left Wakayama at 18 to study acting in the U.S. and initially sought to 'fit in' as an American.
- Performing on stage gave her control over attention she previously felt was imposed on her as hafu.
Cafe Veloce Viral TikTok Moment
- During COVID she visited family in Japan and made a 15-second TikTok as a joke that went viral with millions of views.
- That viral moment launched her social media presence and pushed her toward comedy content.
Stand‑Up Gives Direct Creative Control
- Stand-up offered Yurié direct control unlike waiting to be cast as an actor, letting her express personal stories immediately.
- She found the format minimal and authentic compared with heavily produced acting work.
