Makoto Yoshida (Mack'n)　　 　 　　　Patrick Harlan (Pack'n)

Patrick only

Pack’n Mack’n are by far the best known American and Japanese comic duo in the world. Yes, it is a small pond.

The two-person style of comedy may not be common in the West, but it’s the most popular form of mainstream Japanese comedy.  Comic duos perform stand up material known as "MANZAI” and skits called "CONTO", both typically using a “funny guy & straight-man” style.

Mar/1997 A new comic duo is born

In 1997, Patrick Harlan (Pack’n) was performing as an actor, a model, a voice actor and DJ in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Makoto Yoshida (Mack’n) was delivering lunches to pay the bills while struggling to become a professional comedian. They met through an introduction from a mutual friend and decided to join forces.

Aug_/1997 Stage debut

The oldest comedy show in the Tokyo, the “La Mama Live” is the gateway to success for up and coming comedians. Pack'n Mack'n made it onto that stage with their first audition and launched their comic careers.  For the next few years they honed their skills performing on the street and in comedy shows around the city. Gradually TV and Radio producers started to take notice.

Sep/1999 Finalist in the NHK Newcomer Comedian Award

By 1999 Pack'n Mack'n had garnered increasing fan recognition and airtime. They won the FM Tokyo King of Comedy title, and made it to the final round of the prestigious NHK Newcomer Comedian Competition.

Nov/1999 TV regular

Selected by audition from hundreds of performers, Pack'n Mack'n landed a regular spot on “JUST,” a weekday program on TBS Television.  With daily exposure on nationwide network, TV Pack'n Mack'n widened their fan base from comedy fans to average viewers.  Their corner became a staple of afternoon TV for the 6 year duration of the show and has been much imitated since.

28th/Dec/2003 the English Manzai Adventure

When Pack'n Mack'n translated and took their comedy stylings to Las Vegas, they were rewarded by the laughter of the audience, the admiration and encouragement of their co-stars, and the praise of local newspapers. The Colorado Springs Gazette ran a three page spread on them in the Sunday edition. The duo returned to the American stage in March 2007 to perform at the renowned Laugh Factory in Los Angeles.

Branching out in the 21st Century

In addition to their work on TV, radio and stage, Pack’n Mack’n have penned books and articles, given college seminars, and even released a children’s song. The latter, “SANKAKU, SHIKAKU, MARUKOBICH,” was selected for NHK’s daily children’s program “MINNANO UTA.” The CD, also containing an English version of the song with lyrics by Pack’n, was released by Pony Canyon in February 2008. Pack’n Mack’n continue to prove themselves much more than simply an international MANZAI duo.

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