Kasou Taishou, also known as Masquerade or the Japan Costume Grand Prix, is a long-standing tradition of Japanese culture. The object of the show centers around amateur skits performed by a group of people or solo artists.
Through these very theatrical interpretations, people perform various sketches before a panel of judges. The hallmark of these pieces is that ordinary people are the ones who participate in ‘faking’ special effects.
In the video, two men dressed in a Karategi battle each other through fake special effects. The men use wild expressions and make crazy sounds to accompany many of their actions.
However, upon closer observation, you can see that the two men are not entirely alone. Both of the karateka’s special effects are the outcome of their seemingly invisible shadows. These ‘shadows’ are what make everything possible.
The shadows of the fighters are people who are part of the skit and dressed in a black bodysuit. This clothing helps the ‘shadows’ blend into the background and assist the men in their stunts.
As the sketch continues, the main karateka battles against various adversaries that bring different props for him to fight with. The people behind the shadows truly elevate the hilarity of the Masquerade as they are the ones that break the props.
Lovers of Kasou Taishou have commented on the video that the enthusiasm towards the fake special effects gets elevated by knowing that ordinary people are the ones that participate in the show. Others also recall watching the Masquerade as a kid and remarking on the incredible special effects.
Faking special effects! Nostalgic Kasou Taishou. Known as Masquerade, All Japan Costume Grand Prix.
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