Cherry blossoms are nice. Unscripted laughter in an Ebisu pub is louder. Our spring 2026 show.
2月といえばバレンタイン！チョコレートやギフトも素敵ですが、今年は少し趣向を変えて「予測不能な爆笑」を自分や大切な人にプレゼントしてみませんか？
パイレーツ・オブ・東京湾リーダーのマイクです。
1月の初笑いライブは大盛況に終わり、メンバー一同さらに気合が入っています。2月の舞台は、バレンタインの余韻が残る2月15日（日）。いつもの恵比寿「What the Dickens」で、心まで温まる（というか、笑いすぎて熱くなる）ステージをお届けします。
「英語ができなくても、本当に楽しめるの？」
私たちのショーに来るのを迷っている方から、よくそんな声をいただきます。 私たちのスタイルは、台本も打ち合わせも一切ない「即興（インプロ）」。言葉の壁を越えるために、オーバーなリアクションやパントマイム、そして時にはデタラメな言葉（ギバリッシュ）を駆使します。
「完璧な英語」や「完璧な日本語」は必要ありません。その場で生まれるライブ感と、会場全体が一体となって笑う空気感こそがパイレーツの魅力です。
2月15日（日）、恵比寿で会いましょう！
「いつもと違うデートスポットを探している」 「週末にリフレッシュしたい」 「東京で国際的な刺激を楽しみたい」
そんな皆さんは、ぜひ遊びに来てください。美味しいパブフードと冷えたビール（1枚目のドリンクチケット付き！）を楽しみながら、私たちの「予定調和ゼロ」のステージを体感してください。
会場でお会いできるのを、パイレーツのクルー一同、楽しみにしています！
【ショー詳細 / Show Details】 日程: 2026年2月15日（日） 時間: 19:30 開演 (Doors Open 19:00) 場所: 恵比寿 What the Dickens (4F) 料金: 2,500円（1ドリンク付き） チケット予約: https://www.piratesoftokyobay.com/tickets
See you at the show!
※この記事は Note.com および Medium.com にも掲載しています。
15 Years of 'Yes, And': The Pirates of Tokyo Bay Are Still Sailing Strong!
Ah, the year 2010. A true turning point in history! The first iPad was released. Lady Gaga wore a dress made of meat. And news reporters around the world faced what was arguably the biggest challenge of their careers: pronouncing the Icelandic Volcano 'Eyjafjallajökull'.
But amidst all the data, ashes, and beef, one thing was still missing: a little laughter.
A 15-Year Adventure
It’s been 15 years since Mike Staffa answered the call to create an Improv group for English- and Japanese-speaking performers. He invited people to join him on an adventure he probably never imagined would go this long.
Yet, it’s true! In a few days, 'The Pirates of Tokyo Bay' will celebrate their 15th anniversary. We're heading back to 'What the Dickens!', the British pub we’ve called home for all these years, and we are ready! Our T-shirts are ironed. Our Improv mindsets are activated. And the 'Yes Ands' are ready to fly.
Our goal is simple: We want to create short stories that make you laugh, that may even surprise you, and that make you leave saying: "When is your next show?"
I Can't Tell You the Whole Story (Yet)
Now here’s the deal. I’m Clara, and you might have seen me on stage from time to time. Celebrating the 15th anniversary feels like the perfect time to look back on the groundbreaking legacy of The Pirates of Tokyo Bay. But I can’t do that. Sorry!
When the Pirates started, I wasn't even on their radar, nor was I thinking of ever doing Improv. In fact, I was still living on the other side of the world, in Germany, kicking ass in Mario Kart, but not really in life (that might be another story, though).
What I’m trying to say is: If you’re expecting a long string of origin stories—it's not going to happen from me.
If you’re up for the big talks, go to Mike (honestly, he can't wait to tell you the one about Meg losing her phone in Hanoi and calling him at 4 AM, only able to speak in a whisper tone).
If you’re looking for advice on how to become great at Improv, talk to Bob, Christiane, Tomoko, Tom, or any other performer that will fill your heart with glee when you watch them on stage. (Pro Tip: If the conversation is lacking, just throw out a random prompt like "Bellybutton Fluff!" at them. Trust me, they’ll jump on that.)
And if you are desperately looking for a way to leave from this page, take a look on the upper right corner of your screen. As the old saying goes: The X marks the spot.
What I Can Tell You
What I can tell you, however, is how it was for me joining a group only a year ago that has already created a legacy for 15 years. And what my takeaway from this experience has been.
After all, Pirates aren't just people doing funny stuff on stage. Being a Pirate is a mindset. A community. It's the kind of support system I wish everyone had. Being a pirate may not solve all your problems, that’s true. Yet, it adds perspective. A spark of joy—for yourself, and often for your life companion as well, as you start having conversations you wouldn't have imagined before:
(Door shuts)
“I’m home!”
“Hey hun! How was practice?”
“Not gonna brag but … Today, I played a cyborg who affectionately hugs trees.”
“Ah. Same old, same old?”
“Hell yeah!” (Pistol fingers)
You might have enjoyed a romantic dinner before, but have you ever been on a date with a Pirate? It's certainly a twist.
(In a restaurant)
“What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing.”
“Really?”
“Yeah …”
“OK, then we can start ordering…”
“So you know in the scene I was in two weeks ago, where Cheryl and I were part of a cult, trying to summon a long lost friend by drawing a pentagram on the floor? I said our friend is ‘Gone,’ and what I meant is just in another country. She thought I implied he is DEAD. DEAD! HAHA! How crazy is that? I really need to clarify my choices better. You know what they say in Improv? ‘When you do not say it, it is just an opinion.’ What a brilliant phrase, don’t you think? Oh, man, I wish I’d be better at making decisions.”
“OK then … what would you like for starters?”
“I don’t know, you can choose.”
Fitting the Puzzle Piece
To me, starting with Improv was a game changer when it comes to living in Tokyo. Because even though we live in the biggest city in the world, life here can in fact be quite lonely. And this is what makes it so important to find your own, little spot, your community, where you can grow and bloom.
Improvisers are a unique kind of human being. And to me, they are usually also one of the best people you can be around. A good improviser is generally vulnerable, honest, emotionally intelligent, and understanding while also constantly running on the fuel of pushing personal boundaries. Playing Improv looks like it is just a game, but it is not: thoughts start running through your mind you haven't been thinking of before. After all, asking for a salary raise from your boss suddenly sounds like a piece of cake after you've (for example) played a spider embodying seven different personalities on stage the night before.
But all these things—the small anecdotes, the friendships, and the bond that comes with being part of a group like the Pirates—they don't come from nowhere. Becoming a member was easy in the sense that all of their veterans were welcoming and friendly. Yet in hindsight, I’d say, it has been and still is a more complex process than I would have imagined. Sure, you enjoy the feeling that they picked you at the audition because they liked your first impression. But from the beginning, I've also felt a constant responsibility not to mess it up.
Joining a group that has performed or worked together for 15 years can be a genuinely exhilarating, yet strangely intimidating, experience.
It kind of feels like trying to add a puzzle piece that now has to fit into a picture other people have worked on for years—while you are still in the process of figuring out what the picture actually is.
Think about it:
They know the inside jokes, the unwritten rules, and the tricks for a successful scene.
They have the chemical history and the knowledge of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to support each other perfectly.
They are a finished, vibrant mural—not perfect, but unique and fluid.
And then there's you, holding your small, unique piece, trying to figure out if you're meant to be the sky, a tree, or maybe something else you just cannot see yet.
Choose Your Colors
What comes to mind first when you think about the Pirates? The musical numbers we always open our show with? The happy laughter of the audience? Or the struggling faces of us actors when the story takes a sudden, unexpected turn?
When I started being a Pirate, the most striking symbol of this 15-year legacy was always the fun and colorful T-shirts they were wearing while performing. It was the physical livery of a team built over a decade and a half.
And so I was pretty excited when Mike announced that it was our, the newbies', turn to pick our own colors.
I could tell you now that my choice went fast and smooth, like picking the socks I'm wearing for the day. Yet when I opened the Excel sheet and saw the 40+ colors I should pick from, it almost felt as daunting as choosing your first Pokémon. Sure, realistically speaking, none of these choices should say anything about you or your character. But as we all know, according to the unwritten playground rules, picking Bulbasaur meant you would never make it to the cool kids’ table.
So I sat there, picking, choosing, updating my choice, five, ten, if not twenty times. When I chose a color, I immediately checked if anyone else had chosen the same. I checked how many of the current members had that color. Too many might disturb the group's balance, and choosing a plain grey shirt just for its uniqueness might make me hate it before I even wore it. After all, the performers who built this 15-year history have all worn this regalia! This uniform. This livery that instantly makes you a part of a pack united by the same vision, dreams, and passion.
I still got nervous when we finally received the T-shirts. I was still worried that my choice—dark red in active wear, and purple in cotton—would turn out bad and I should have gone for something else. Yet, when I opened the packaging and felt the fabric on my skin, all doubts vanished and were replaced by excitement. “The color suits you well,” I even heard Rodger say once, while patting me on the shoulder for our traditional “Got your back” cheer, the very motto the Pirates have sailed on for 15 years already, right before the show starts.
Maybe, I believe now, it was never important what color I chose. Members I've never met wore these same colors on their journey, just as current members are wearing them now. Because, and I suppose this is the real lesson that a true Pirate eventually learns in this group: It might not be so important what decision you make. The main thing is that you make a decision. What comes after, you and your team will handle then.
The 15-Year Rule: Everyone Starts Scared
During the past year, I have performed on stage with the other Pirates a few times now. Some performances I was very happy with; others, I was just happy that I got some sentences out.
The first night I was planned to participate in a game, my heart beat so fast, I thought I might throw up. “Once the focus is on me, I will just freeze and die,” I thought to myself, leaning into the survival strategy of an opossum.
When I was fearfully looking from the entrance area of "What the Dickens!" to the stage, Christiane must have noticed me. Kindly, she laid her hand on my back.
“Are you alright, Luv?”
“I am very scared, actually.”
“I see. Take deep breaths. Breathe in for four seconds. Hold it for seven. And exhale for eight seconds. Repeat that.”
I did. It took a while, but after the fifth or sixth cycle, my mind really started to settle. I was nervous, still, yes. However, I felt I had more control. Then my game was called up. I got on stage, did what I thought was right in the given situation. Then Trey blew the whistle. The audience applauded! And I smiled, full of relief and happiness, for the first time.
Clearly, as a professional actress, Christiane might not be nervous before shows anymore. Yet, as she gave me this advice, it also made me realize: She must have gone through this too. When she started, she might have felt the same as I did now. And so did every other Pirate, within the past 15 years. Because everybody needs to start somewhere. And the real question is never “When will I be there?” but always “What comes next?”
The Next Scene: Come Celebrate 15 Years of 'Yes'!
The 15th anniversary isn't just a party; it's a living, breathing testament to the power of saying "Yes, And" for a decade and a half.
It’s a celebration of the community that Mike started, the laughter we've shared, and the simple, joyous risk of stepping on stage without a script. It's an invitation for you to see how well this chaotic, wonderful puzzle fits together.
We've got the shirts ironed, the minds activated, and fifteen years of stories—some of which will be told, and many of which we'll make up on the spot!
Join us at 'What the Dickens!' to celebrate 15 years of The Pirates of Tokyo Bay!
See you there!
パイレーツ・オブ・東京湾が、第2回東京国際コメディフェスティバルで満員御礼のライブを成功させました！いつもの恵比寿にある英国風パブを飛び出し、渋谷のTokyo Comedy Barで、笑いの渦を巻き起こしました。
バイアードビールが協賛した11日間、75以上のショーが開催されたこのフェスティバルで、私たちのパフォーマンスは大成功。同じく渋谷を拠点とするTokyo Comedy Barのインプロバイザーたちとの共演は、東京の活気あふれるコメディシーンを盛り上げる素晴らしい機会となりました。会場を埋め尽くした観客の皆さんは、日本語スピーカーも英語スピーカーも関係なく、心から笑い合っている様子でした。
私たちのショーは、ただのパフォーマンスではありません。英語と日本語を巧みに織り交ぜることで、誰にとっても楽しめるアクセシブルな体験を提供することを目指しています。このユニークなアプローチには、いくつかのメリットがあります。
英語圏の皆さんへ: 楽しく自然な形で日本語や日本の文化に触れることができる、絶好の機会です。
日本語スピーカーの皆さんへ: 母国語でコメディを楽しみながら、英語のジョークを気軽に味わうことができます。リラックスした環境で新しい言葉を学ぶ良い機会にもなります。
すべての方へ: 私たちのショーは、パントマイムや身振り手振りを多用し、言語の壁を越えて伝わる普遍的なテーマを扱います。言葉に関係なく、会場にいる誰もが一体となって笑えるのが一番の魅力です。
東京国際コメディフェスティバルでの成功は、私たちに大きな活力を与えてくれました。新しい場所での公演も刺激的ですが、やはりホームでのライブは格別です。
渋谷での満員ライブを見逃してしまった方もご安心ください！パイレーツは毎月、恵比寿のWhat the Dickensで定期公演を行っています。東京で最高に楽しい夜を過ごしたい方は、ぜひ一度遊びに来てください！
Did you hear the news? The Pirates of Tokyo Bay recently set sail for a sold-out show at the second annual Tokyo International Comedy Festival! Swapping our usual British pub in Ebisu for a night at the Tokyo Comedy Bar in Shibuya, we were thrilled to be part of the city's vibrant comedy scene.
The energy was electric. Our performance, part of the 11-day, 75-show festival sponsored by Baird Beer, was a true highlight. It was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with fellow improvisers from the Tokyo Comedy Bar's own group, strengthening the bonds within our community. The audience, a diverse mix of locals and visitors, packed the house, proving that laughter truly is a universal language.
Our English and Japanese shows are designed to break down barriers, making improv comedy accessible to everyone. We believe comedy shouldn't be limited by language, and that's why we weave both languages seamlessly into our games. This approach offers several key benefits:
For English Speakers: It's a fun, low-pressure way to be exposed to the Japanese language and culture in a natural setting.
For Japanese Speakers: You can enjoy a show in your native language while also getting a taste of English-language comedy. It's a great opportunity to listen and learn new words in a relaxed environment.
For Everyone: Our shows rely heavily on physical comedy, gestures, and universal themes. Whether you speak English, Japanese, or a mix of both, you can enjoy the spontaneity of improv with everyone else. We use physical cues, sound effects, and simple gestures to ensure that the jokes land, regardless of your native language.
The success of our show at the Tokyo International Comedy Festival has us energized and ready for more. It reminded us that while traveling to new venues is exciting, there's no place like home.
So, if you missed our sold-out night in Shibuya, don't worry! You can catch us at our regular monthly show at What the Dickens in Ebisu. Come join the fun and see for yourself why the Pirates of Tokyo Bay are the best night out in town!
I’d always admired the spontaneity and quick wit of improv comedians, but I never thought I would have the opportunity try it myself on stage. Two year ago I heard about the Pirates of Tokyo Bay Improv group auditions at Tokyo Comedy Bar. The name alone was enough to pique my interest.
The audition was a whirlwind of games, challenges, and unexpected twists. We stumbled made a fools of ourselves and laughed as we did it. As the audition progressed, I began to relax and enjoy the chaos. The other auditionees were so supportive and encouraging, and the Pirates were patient and very funnyl.
Later that week I got the email. I was accepted into the Pirates of Tokyo Bay English and Japanese improv group. It was like joining a secret society of comedic misfits. We practiced together every week, honing our skills and building a strong bond. The group is a diverse mix of people from all walks of life, united by a shared love of laughter and improvisation.
One of my most memorable experiences was performing at the Manila Improv Festival where we had to create an entire improv scenes based on suggestion for an audience that was unklike those we see each month in Tokyo. It was a wild ride, and the audience loved it.
Being a member of the Pirates of Tokyo Bay has been a transformative experience. It has helped me to become more confident, creative, and spontaneous. It has also given me the opportunity to meet amazing people and make lifelong friends.
Now it’s your turn. If you're thinking about auditioning for the Pirates of Tokyo Bay English and Japanese improv group, I encourage you to do it. It's a fun, challenging, and rewarding experience. You'll learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and discover hidden talents you never knew you had. So don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and join the crew.
Sign up for the October 6th auditions here: www.piratesoftokyobay.com/auditions
Every two years, improv groups from around the world travel to Manila to perform in the Manila Improv Festival. The Pirates of Tokyo Bay have been lucky enough to attend the festival every time since 2013.
The festival is produced by Third World Improv (TWI). Set up in 2015 by Gabe Mercado and the members of the pioneering improv group SPIT, Third World Improv is the first school in the Philippines dedicated to teaching the art and craft of improvisational theater.. Third World Improv aims to produce improv practitioners who are authentic, innovative, culturally and socially relevant and a lot of fun.
The Ayala Malls Circuit Makati is hosting the 2023 Manila Improv Festival. The festival promises you the best of improvisational comedy with improv groups from all over the Philippines and the globe. Now on its 19th year, the audience can expect unscripted fun and laughter. Don’t miss these four days of improv performances, workshops, and exhibits at Asia’s biggest improv festival on September 7 to 10, 2023!
Our performance will be on Saturday, September 9th at 7:30pm on Stage A. Get your tickets at Ticket2Me and search for Show #9 (which is the show we will close out).
Below is a video from our 2019 performance in Manila to get you excited for our 2023 shows. See you in the Philippines!
❤️ Pirates
Newbie Cheryl has joined the Pirates’ Party in Vietnam! 🎉
I didn’t know what to expect when I auditioned for the Pirates of Tokyo Bay in 2022 October. I didn’t know I’d join a family of fun-loving people the following month.
Fast-forward to 2023 May. It’s the first international festival for the Pirates representing Japan after COVID. It’s my first international performance as an improviser.
The open auditions in October at Tokyo Comedy Bar didn’t feel like a “test”. It was a group of people who wanted to make each other laugh doing just that. The super supportive Pirates threw some of their biggest challenges at us and encouraged us to “Yes, and” and have fun. I left the audition laughing, and hoping the Pirates needed a pudgy middle-aged man in their group.
即興コメディとは、ユニークでダイナミックなエンターテインメントであり、素早い思考、創造性、そしてサポートしてくれる環境が不可欠です。適切な練習スペースを見つけることは私たちにとってものすごく大切なことです。即興スキルを鋭く維持するには、定期的に練習する必要があります。 東京での公演や海外ツアーに行っていない日はだいたい練習中です。
幸いなことに、東京で即興パフォーマーが技術を磨き、コメディの才能を発揮するために必要なものをすべて提供してくれる場所が1 か所あります。
幸いなことに、東京で即興パフォーマーが技術を磨き、コメディの才能を発揮するために必要なものをすべて提供してくれる場所が1 か所あります。
東京の渋谷の最も中心部にある東京コメディバー。ここにはあらゆる分野のパフォーマーが毎週集い技術を高め合う、クリエイティブなエネルギーが集まる素晴らしい練習スペースです。居心地の良いステージと協力的な雰囲気が迎えてくれるこの練習スペースは、パフォーマーが試し、協力し、そしてなによりも大切な、楽しむのに最適な環境を提供してくれます。練習後にバーで飲むクラフトビールは最高です！
この練習スペースの最も優れた点をあげるとしたら、ここで育まれている雰囲気です。即興とは相手を必要とする芸術であり、ここでの雰囲気はパフォーマーがお互いサポートし合うことを助けてくれます。パイレーツはベテランでもビギナーでも、誰もが自分達のスキルや経験をシェアすることを歓迎し、求め合っています。
東京コメディバーでは、私たちが練習し、また東京にあるお笑い(コメディ)のコミュニティに参加するのに最適な場所でした。 恵比寿で毎月開催される日本語と英語の即興コメディショー(パイレーツ・オブ・東京湾のことです！)に来れない方は渋谷の東京コメディバーに行ってみてくださいね。同じくらいの体験ができるはずです！
🎟️ ショーのチケットはこちらから：
www.piratesoftokyobay.com/tickets