Knock Yokoyama, Japanese comedian and politician (d. 2007)

Knock Yokoyama (横山 ノック, Yokoyama Nokku), born Isamu Yamada (山田勇) on January 30, 1932, in Kobe, Japan, was a prominent and often controversial figure known for his dual career as a celebrated Japanese comedian and a significant politician. His public life, spanning several decades until his passing on May 3, 2007, encapsulated a unique trajectory from entertainment stardom to gubernatorial leadership, marked by both widespread popularity and a dramatic fall from grace.

Who Was Knock Yokoyama?

Yokoyama's journey into the public eye began in the vibrant world of Japanese comedy. He first gained widespread recognition and adopted his iconic stage name while directing the immensely popular Manga Trio (漫画トリオ) manzai troupe from 1959 to 1968. Manzai is a traditional style of Japanese stand-up comedy, typically involving two performers—a straight man (tsukkomi) and a funny man (boke)—engaging in rapid-fire, often nonsensical banter. The Manga Trio, under Yokoyama’s creative direction and performance, became a household name, showcasing his talent for humor and engaging audiences across Japan. Following his highly successful years in comedy, Yokoyama made an unexpected transition into the construction industry. He served as a director at several major construction firms located in the Kansai region, Japan's second-most populous area and a significant economic hub, demonstrating a diverse range of professional capabilities beyond entertainment.

From Comedian to Governor of Osaka

In 1995, Knock Yokoyama leveraged his existing nationwide fame and public goodwill to successfully pivot into politics. He ran for and was elected as the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, a crucial administrative and economic center in western Japan. His campaign as an independent candidate resonated with voters, allowing him to transcend traditional party lines. Following his election, he formally joined the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Japan's long-dominant conservative political party, a common move for successful independents seeking greater political leverage and support. As governor, Yokoyama enjoyed immense popularity, primarily attributed to his pre-existing celebrity status as a comedian. His affable public persona and ability to connect with people, honed during his comedy career, translated directly into political appeal, making him a beloved figure in Osaka's gubernatorial office.

Controversy and Resignation

Yokoyama's political career, however, ended abruptly amidst a significant scandal. In 2000, a 21-year-old campaign volunteer came forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment against him. She claimed that the then-governor had groped her for approximately 30 minutes in the back of a campaign truck. While Yokoyama vehemently denied the charges, the case proceeded to a highly publicized trial at the Osaka District Court. During the proceedings, the plaintiff bravely testified from behind an opaque screen, a measure put in place to protect her identity and privacy given the high-profile nature of the accused. The court ultimately found Knock Yokoyama liable for the alleged misconduct, ordering him to pay ¥11 million in damages, a significant sum reflecting the severity of the offense. Following this damning judgment, Yokoyama resigned from his position as Governor of Osaka. He was subsequently replaced by Fusae Ohta, a female bureaucrat from the LDP, who made history as Japan's first female governor, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese politics following Yokoyama's controversial exit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knock Yokoyama

What was Knock Yokoyama famous for before politics?
Before entering politics, Knock Yokoyama was widely known as a highly popular Japanese comedian. He achieved significant fame as the director and a performer in the Manga Trio manzai troupe from 1959 to 1968.
Why was Knock Yokoyama a popular governor?
He enjoyed great popularity as the Governor of Osaka primarily due to his existing fame and public persona as a comedian. His celebrity status allowed him to connect easily with voters and garner widespread support.
What was the main reason for Knock Yokoyama's resignation as governor?
Knock Yokoyama resigned as Governor of Osaka in 2000 after the Osaka District Court found him liable for sexual harassment. He was ordered to pay ¥11 million in damages to a former campaign volunteer who accused him of groping her.
Who replaced Knock Yokoyama as Governor of Osaka?
Following his resignation, Knock Yokoyama was replaced by Fusae Ohta, a female bureaucrat from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ohta's appointment was notable as she became Japan's first female governor.