The Tokyo Shock Boys have arrived in Hong Kong just when we need a few laughs.
Known as Dengeki Network in Japan, The Tokyo Shock Boys are Nambu Torata, Sango Jyugo, Gyuzo and Danna Koyanagi. Formed in 1990, the comedians have toured Australia, the United States, Britain and Europe, and are acclaimed for their incredible stunts - and that doen't mean a few acrobatic tricks. I had high expectations, especially after reading some rave foreign reviews.
A 10-minute musical introduction involved the Boys making da-da sounds along with electronic music. Just when it began to annoy me, the lights dimmed and a video collage of the Boys' previous performances became the background for what seemed to be an imitation of British sonic-dance band the Prodigy. So much for the first part of the show.
They reappeared in colourful traditional Japanese outfits and showcased their peculiar talents for performing shocking stunts: they endangered their private parts with bundles of firecrackers, ate dry ice and one inhaled milk through his nose and projected it through his eyes.
Being Hong Kong-bred, I didn't find these acts particular innovative. More than a decade ago, on TVB's variety show Enjoy Yourself Tonight, I watched renowned qi gong master Ng Kong eat burning carbon and use boiling iron rods on his body.
I walked away wondering what I had just seen. I had a good laugh but doubt it was worth $395.