Career
He is one of the most famous and popular comedians in Japan. He belongs to the talent agency Jinrikisha (人力舎). He has come to often appear alone on television, using the nickname "Zakiyama", especially after Shibata"s bouts with health problems.
He is a regular on many shows, including Nichiyō geinin, which he hosts with Bakarizumu and Masayasu Wakabayashi.