Ninja puppets + bamboo = awesome in this clip from the most recent installment of Kasou Taishou, which was broadcast in Japan earlier this summer. Of all the Kasou Taishou skits I’ve seen over the years I think this is one of my favourites.

Want to see more from Kasou Taishou 88? Of course you do!

Here is a montage of clips from the show that really demonstrate just how imaginative and varied the performances on Kasou Taishou really are (my favourite is the flamingos that appear at the 3:18 mark):

I suppose you could debate whether the big fish in this skit is more of a costume than a puppet, but either way it’s a pretty creative skit:

…and finally, a little more Michael Jackson puppetry goodness if you please:

(bonus tip: watch for the awesome-looking judge at the end of the video dressed as Winnie The Pooh)

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find an “official” source of Kasou Taishou videos in English, so those of us who are outside Japan are forced to make do with whatever pops up online. In the past year NHK has been getting extremely aggressive about ordering you YouTube to remove many of the skits that are uploaded there, so it’s probably a good idea to watch these while you can in case they disappear!