Humor as a Reflection of Asian Culture

Abstract

This article aims to examine characteristics and uses of humor across Asian cultures, focusing on comparative analysis between Thailand and selected Asian countries (China, Japan, India, South Korea) through literature review and qualitative case studies from diverse media: literature, film, animation, variety shows, and design. The findings identify three main points: (1) Thai humor tends to be friendly and non-offensive, using devices such as wordplay and indirect satire to preserve social relationships; (2) other Asian contexts exhibit specific patterns Japan favors rhythmical verbal gags and exaggerated performance, China often employs wit linked to traditional narratives, and India frequently combines comedy with social critique; (3) humor applied in design enhances brand identity and memorability but requires cultural adaptation to avoid misinterpretation. This study proposes an analytical framework linking joke forms, narrative techniques, social meanings, and design application, offering guidance for cross-cultural communication, media design, and future research on humor in Asia.