noun
door-to-door manzai; traditional New Year comedy performance
Historical form of manzai performed by entertainers visiting homes during the New Year period; precursor to modern manzai (漫才).
See also: 漫才
江戸時代には、正月に万歳が家々を回って祝いの芸を披露した。
In the Edo period, manzai performers went door-to-door during the New Year to present celebratory acts.
Manzai is a traditional performing art considered the precursor to modern manzai.
Modern stand-up comedy duo form; derived from the traditional 万歳 but now a distinct entertainment genre.
From 万 (man, 'ten thousand') and 歳 (sai, 'years'), originally a celebratory phrase wishing long life, later applied to the New Year performance tradition.