Pirates of Tokyo Bay is reopening its Improv University - a series of improv comedy classes in Tokyo designed for anyone who wants to build confidence, sharpen communication skills, and have a ridiculously good time doing it. Classes are taught in English and Japanese and welcome complete beginners. No acting experience, no comedy background, no fluency requirements. If you can show up and say "Yes, And," you're ready.
Why Take Improv Classes in Tokyo?
If you've ever thought about trying acting classes, a public speaking course, or even just finding a new way to meet people in Tokyo, improv is the answer to all three - and it's more fun than any of them.
Improv comedy teaches you to listen, react, and create in the moment. There's no script, no memorization, and no wrong answers. You learn by doing, alongside a group of people who are all figuring it out together. That shared vulnerability is what makes improv classes one of the best ways to form genuine friendships in a new city.
For expats and internationals in Tokyo, improv solves a specific problem: it gives you a regular, social, creative outlet that doesn't revolve around drinking or networking events. You'll leave every class feeling more energized and more connected than when you walked in.
The skills transfer everywhere. Past students have used what they learned in improv to crush job interviews, lead better meetings, give more engaging presentations, and simply become more comfortable in their own skin. One student told us improv class was "the best thing I did for my career that had nothing to do with my career."
What You'll Learn: Three Levels from Beginner to Stage
Level 1: Learn the Fundamentals
Your starting point. No experience needed - just show up ready to play. Over 5 weekly sessions, you'll learn the core principles: "Yes, And," building scenes from nothing, connecting with your scene partners, and finding the fun in every moment. By the end, you'll understand how improv works and why it feels so good.
Price: ¥25,000 / 5 weeks (2 hours per session)
Level 2: The Who, What & Where of Scenes
Building on Level 1, you'll dig deeper into scene technique: identifying and heightening patterns, finding character motivation, and discovering real creative inspiration on demand. This is where your improv starts to feel less like "exercises" and more like "performing." Level 1 completion required.
Price: ¥25,000 / 5 weeks (2 hours per session)
Level 3: Advanced Characters + Student Show
The final level. Deep character work, emotional range, and stagecraft - all building toward a live student showcase in Tokyo with your classmates. You'll perform for a real audience, with real laughs, in a real venue. It's terrifying and exhilarating and you'll never forget it. Level 2 completion required.
Price: ¥35,000 / 5 weeks (2 hours per session, includes graduation show)
Who Teaches These Classes?
Your instructors are members of Pirates of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo's premier English and Japanese improv comedy group. The Pirates have been performing since 2010 and have represented Japan at international improv festivals in over 10 countries - including the USA, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, and Australia.
Director Mike Staffa's improv training curriculum is also featured on GLOBIS Unlimited, Japan's leading MBA platform. You're not learning from hobbyists - you're learning from performers and trainers who do this professionally.
"But I'm Not Funny"
Good news: you don't need to be. Improv isn't about being the funniest person in the room. It's about listening to your partner, supporting their ideas, and building something together. The laughs come naturally when you stop trying to be clever and start being present.
The most common thing we hear from students after their first class is: "I can't believe I waited so long to try this."
"But My Japanese (or English) Isn't Great"
Classes are conducted in English and Japanese, adapted to the group's composition. You don't need to be fluent in both languages - or either language, honestly. Improv uses physicality, emotion, and intention as much as words. Some of the funniest scenes ever performed by the Pirates had zero dialogue. You'll be fine.
Class Details
Schedule: Once per week for 5 weeks, 2 hours per session
Language: English and Japanese (adapted to class composition)
Minimum class size: 5 students
Maximum class size: 15 students
Payment: Bank transfer (furikomi), due within 1 week of registration
Instructors: Mike Staffa, Bill Reilly, Christiane Brew
Ready to Try It?
Spots are limited to 15 per level. Register your interest here or email info@japancomedy.com with any questions.
Want to see what Pirates improv looks like before you sign up? We perform monthly at What the Dickens! in Ebisu - tickets ¥2,500 with your 1st drink free. Show info and tickets →
