GUEST
Ricchaado — Content Creator
Richard admits that his videos can be controversial, yet they are embraced even by Japanese audiences because they reflect a certain truth. His ability to perfectly imitate Japanese speech patterns, combined with his firsthand experiences as a Black man in Japan, enables him to highlight cultural misunderstandings and ignorance in a way that is both educational and humorous. We wanted to dive deep into his background, the origin stories of his characters, and his future as a creator.
Why did we reach out to Ricchaado?
Richard admits that his videos can be “borderline racist,” yet they are embraced even by Japanese audiences because they reflect a certain “truth”. His ability to perfectly imitate Japanese speech patterns, combined with his firsthand experiences as a Black man in Japan, enables him to highlight cultural misunderstandings and ignorance in a way that is both educational and humorous. We wanted to dive deep into his background, the origin stories of his characters, and his future as a creator.
What we talked about:
Early beginnings
Richard’s relationship with Japan at age 17 when he visited on holiday, followed by a decision to move there at 19 to live with his grandfather, who was working at the Angolan Embassy in Tokyo. His motivation for learning the language was unique.
After watching the TV show Heroes, where a character—seemingly a “normal guy” is revealed to be a Yakuza boss speaking fluent Japanese. Richard decided he wanted to be the “Black version of that character”. After receiving real-world praise for speaking Japanese with his friends, he was motivated to continue studying.
Career twists and the TikTok breakout
Initially a qualified chef working in ramen and curry shops, Richard faced a hurdle when he couldn’t get a work visa without a bachelor’s degree, forcing him to return to the UK to study International Law. His pivot to comedy happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
A TikTok video showcasing his hair transformation—from straightening his hair to look “Japanese” to finally embracing his natural curls—went viral, launching his career as a creator.
Character Origins
Momo-chan and Mr. Hashimoto are characters featured in his popular sketches, which feature caricatures based on real-life interactions:
• Momo-chan: A character with a “bipolar nature”—sweet when speaking Japanese, but aggressive and influenced by hip-hop culture when code-switching to English. She is modeled after a real woman Richard met online.
• Mr. Hashimoto: A depiction of the stereotypical drunk salaryman who tries too hard to relate to Black culture. He often spouts stereotypes in a clumsy attempt to be friendly, but is unknowingly offensive.
The sketches created by Richard do more than just entertain; they highlight themes and the unconscious bias in Japanese society and bring people together through laughter.
The Future
Richard is expanding his career beyond just content creation. Programs like “Ricchaado Academy” offer courses teaching slang and “real” Japanese, often omitted from textbooks. He has also hosted guided tours in Japan, building lasting friendships with his participants.
Looking ahead, he intends to focus on long-form YouTube content and launch a new project called “Aho Aho,” which will teach British English and slang to Japanese audiences.
