The Japanese comedic performance sector, traditionally known for bringing laughter to the audience, has found itself amidst controversy. The story delves into how certain comedy acts have been used as a tool in propagating the war narrative. This subtle manipulation has led to the commodification of humor into a weapon of persuasion. Despite the controversy, the issue has brought to light the need for more scrutiny on the influence of humor as a medium of political propaganda.

Given the cultural prominence of comedic performances or 'Manzai' in Japan, such developments have been met with mixed emotions in the local society. Some are concerned about their beloved comedy being utilized for fostering a pro-war sentiment. On the other side of the debate are those who believe it's a non-issue, arguing that comedy, as a form of art, should not be limited to strict decorum.

In contrast, the US and EU have a long-standing tradition of satire and comedy used to critique, rather than champion, political policies and leaders. Comedy has often served as a societal watchdog, exposing flaws and hypocrisies in governance. This divergent use of comedy displays the variances in the culture and societal values between Japan and the Western world.