Yuriko Kotani is a UK-based Japanese comedian. She began performing stand-up in 2014 and was named as “One To Watch” by Time Out and won the BBC New Comedy Award in 2015.

In 2016, Yuriko made appearances on series 2 of Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central, BBC Three’s Pls Like in 2017, and CBBC’s The Dog Ate My Homework in 2018.

On radio, Kotani was on The Comedy Club (BBC Radio 4 Extra) in 2016, BBC World Service’s The Arts Hour International New Year Comedy Celebration in 2017, The Verb (BBC Radio 3) and Loose Ends (BBC Radio 4) in 2018.

She also worked with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to make videos for Rugby World Cup 2019, detailing her top tips for fans travelling to Japan.

“Leftfield rising star” Time Out

“A brilliantly performed, well-structured & wonderfully unique set.” Fringebiscuit

AWARDS

Winner: BBC New Comedy Award 2015
Winner: Brighton Comedy Festival Squawker Award 2015
Runner-up: So You Think You’re Funny 2015
Third place: Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2015
Nominee: Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2016
Nominee: The 99 Club Comedy Bursary 2019