Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa
This Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist who left viewers in fits of laughter with his not-safe-for-work tablecloth trick, is back with a unique public health message for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kazuhisa Uekusa, 31, an ‘international variety performer’, became the first contestant to appear on three Got Talent shows in the same year when he took part in the British, American and French editions in 2018.
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa 
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa 
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa
Speaking exclusively to Asia Wire, he credited Britain’s Got Talent for “launching” his performance comedy career, but added he is now also cooped up in his home in Saitama Prefecture, about 25 miles from Japanese capital Tokyo, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, that did not stop Mr Uekusa from showing off his fan-favourite stunt.
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa
His latest iteration of his world-famous tablecloth-pulling trick sees him lying down in front of the camera – unclothed apart from a red tablecloth – and his nipples and private parts covered with teacups and saucers.
In typical Mr Uekusa fashion, he expertly rips the tablecloth away, safely covering his bits while revealing the written message: “Stay Safe. Stay Home.”
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa 
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa 
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa
Mr Uekusa, who performed as ‘Wes-P’ in the United States, said: “I decided to record the message yesterday after Japan entered a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak.
“I know Europe has been in that state for much time now.
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa
“Although Japan’s policies aren’t yet as strict as in Europe and the United States, many of us have already been self-quarantining at home.
“As a comedic performer, all my gigs have been cancelled and I’ve been resting at home without much work.
“I feel comedy can be a form of relief to the many people around the world who are stuck in their homes. That’s why I recorded my latest video.
“I wanted to give everyone some encouragement, and hope I can help people relax a little.”
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa
Speaking about his appearance on Britain’s premier talent show, the comedian added: “I was very lucky to reach the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent. I flew to the UK to film it live.
“Because of my audition, I think many people already knew me. I’ll never forget how welcoming everybody was, clapping for me and asking for photos.
“It was a very satisfying experience, which showed me the UK’s warmth and friendliness.
“Britain’s Got Talent launched my career. After my appearance, I was approached by many Japanese variety TV shows, and many more opportunities appeared for me to do comedy work.
AsiaWire / Mr Uekusa
“That’s all thanks to the audience who watched Britain’s Got Talent.”
To his delight, his latest public health message was also shared by Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling.
Brits will recognise Mr Uekusa from Season 12 of Britain’s Got Talent, which included a panel of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon.
His viral audition saw him perform a twist on his usual trick by pulling a table napkin off his private parts while popping a champagne bottle, leaving only the usual teacup and saucer to keep his dignity.
Mr Cowell was the only judge to give the show an ‘X’.
Mr Uekusa, who had hoped to show his act to the Queen, first appeared on Georgia’s Got Talent in 2016.
In 2018, he became only the second person after French aerialist Charlie Placais to appear on both UK and US versions of the talent show.
However, he was quickly eliminated in the audition round after being buzzed off stage by panelists including Simon Cowell, Mel B and Heidi Klum.
Despite the setback, Mr Uekusa went on to become the first ever contestant to appear on three Got Talent shows in the same year when he took part in the French edition.
Besides a host of Japanese variety shows, he has since appeared in Asia’s Got Talent in 2019 and Romania’s Got Talent this year.
His videos have generated tens of millions of YouTube views.
Mr Uekusa said finally: “I want to make more people laugh.
“I want more people to recognise me so I can perform in more countries.
“Although with the ongoing pandemic I won’t be able to perform anywhere, I hope when all this is over I will have more opportunities to appear onstage or on TV.
“My ultimate goal is to become a world-renowned comedian.”
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