It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year!

Yuriko Kotani: The Meanings of Life

Location:   Monkey Barrel Comedy (The Hive) – Hive 2 (Venue 313)

Dates: Jul 29th-31st Aug 1st-12th, 14th-25th

Time: 13:55

Price: £10 Concessions £8

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/yuriko-kotani-the-meanings-of-life

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Hello. My name is Yuriko Kotani and I’m a UK-based Japanese stand-up comedian.

Tell us all about your show!

It’s called “Yuriko Kotani: The Meanings of Life”. It’s about myself, a Japanese person living in London while trying to stay connected with my family in Japan. And also about love, and confusion and the meanings of life. It’s on at 13:55 at Monkey Barrel Hive 2. 

How did you come up with the name for the show you’re taking to the fringe?

I would like to be philosophical. And also in Japanese language there are at least two words for ‘life’ – for example ‘jinsei’ is from birth to death, or ‘seikatsu’ which is everyday living. So I would like to talk about the meanings of life linguistically too.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

Leslie Ewing-Burgesse. I couldn’t see her show last year at Edinburgh Fringe 2023 as our shows were around the same time. But we went to a witchy shop together during the festival to get some crystals. She bought them for others thinking what they need at the moment at the Fringe, and I thought that was a nice thing to do as sometimes Fringe can be tough and if someone show you kindness and support, that’s all we need.

Have you done the fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe? 

Don’t miss any opportunities to eat vegetables during the Fringe. 

Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe

Wake up, have a pint of water, coffee, stretch and quick exercise, journaling, writing, going to Niddly street, flyering, preparing for my show, do my show, watch other shows or do mixed bill shows, eating chips or/and instant noodles being drunk and go to bed. Repeat.

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the fringe?

Breath deeply from time to time. 

Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe? 

I don’t know if I want to share this as it’s always popular and it is not easy to get a table but I am going to share it because I also highly recommend this. It is Kilimanjaro Coffee on Nicolson Street, especially the booth tables. Great coffee. Best spot for focusing on writing.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

I can get to perform my show everyday at the same place.

Top tips for travelling around the Fringe and getting to shows on time?

Use your willpower.

What would be your top three items every performer must take to the fringe?

Kindness, warmth and also excitement.

What’s the secret to successful flyering? 

I am still learning to flyer but I’d like to say have fun and give people good vibes as it is a part of the Edinburgh Fringe experience. When I’m flyering my flyers, I try to think it is already a part of my show and want to give the audience fun and excitement. But yes, I am aware that it is easier to say that than done.

Oh, one thing I would like to say is if you see your flyers in the bin or on the pavement (and can see people have stepped on it without knowing), it is OK to feel sad. Our feelings are valid. 

If people want to find out more about you, where can they follow you on social media?

Facebook @YurikoKotaniComedy

Instagram @yurikocomedy

X @YurikoComedy

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show? 

You will enjoy