Overview
| Summary | Katochan, Pe! is a classic Japanese gag popularized by comedian Cha Kato (Kato-chan) in the 1970s and 1980s. It combines a silly, made-up phrase with a physical gesture—typically a two-finger peace sign under the nose and a sharp turn of the head. While the phrase itself is nonsensical, it became instantly recognizable and iconic through repetition on Japanese variety shows. It reflects a brand of humor that’s simple, physical, and kid-friendly. |
| Japanese Writing | かとちゃん、ぺっ！ |
| Genre | Retro Japanese Gag / Physical Comedy |
| Typical Age Group | 40–70 years old (Especially those who watched 70s–90s Japanese TV comedy shows) |
| Audience | Fans of classic Japanese television comedy Viewers nostalgic for the “Golden Age” of Japanese variety shows Anyone interested in Japan’s comedic history or vintage pop culture |
| Popularity | ★★★★☆ |
| Relevance | ★★☆☆☆ While younger generations may not know the reference, Katochan, Pe! remains widely recognized among older viewers and continues to appear in nostalgic media, impersonations, and retro-themed performances. |
| Usability | ★★☆☆☆ |
| When to Use | When joking around with someone familiar with classic Japanese comedy During retro-themed parties or TV parodies To add a touch of goofy absurdity to a lighthearted moment |
| How to Use | 1.Place two fingers horizontally just under your nose like a mustache 2.Say loudly and cheerfully: “Katochan, Pe!” |
| Cultural Note | This gag was popularized by Kato Cha, a member of the comedy group The Drifters, who were a fixture of Japanese TV comedy in the 1970s and 80s. “Katochan, Pe!” wasn’t just a catchphrase—it was part of a full comedic persona. The phrase exemplifies the light, family-friendly humor that characterized the era, and it remains a symbol of vintage Japanese television entertainment. |
Original performance
You can hear a similar phrase at about 00:4 in this YouTube video.
You don’t even need to say “Katochan, Pe!” — just “Pe!” is enough to get the laugh!
But if you want people to recognize it as Cha Kato’s signature gag, go ahead and say the full line:
“Katochan, Pe!” with the classic gesture.