"King of Conte 2025" - 10 finalists selected from a record 3,449 groups

The press conference for the finalists of "King of Conte 2025" (TBS), which will decide the best comedy sketch in Japan this year, was recently held at TBS in Akasaka, Tokyo, with the 10 finalists who made it to the finals out of a record 3,449 groups in attendance.

The 10 groups that advanced to the finals were Shizuru, Long Coat Daddy, Fire Thunder, Ultra Boogies, Yadan, Blue No. 1, Bernardo, Original Ichigo-chan, Tom Browne, and Rainbow.

Shizuru will be making their fifth appearance in nine years, Long Coat Daddy their fourth appearance in two years, Fire Thunder their third appearance in three years, Ultra Buggies their fourth appearance in four years, and Yadan their fourth appearance in four years. Five groups will be making their first appearance in the finals: Aoi Ichigo, Bernardo, Ganso Ichigo-chan, Tom Brown, and Rainbow.

Kamimura, wearing No. 1 in blue, said, "This is the first time that someone from Ota Pro's training school has made it to the finals, so I want to do my best. I want to win the award race, which is the first time that I've been affiliated with Ota Pro." He also declared war on Yadan, who are also a trio competing for four consecutive years, saying, "It's time for a generational change!"

Bernardo, who formed in January this year and made it to the finals in just eight months, was thrilled, saying, "Until now, other duos have only made it to the quarterfinals," and "We're so lucky." Ganso Ichigo-chan expressed her concerns, saying, "I wonder if we'll be able to make it to the live broadcast." Revealing that their biggest rival is "compliance," she declared, "Be prepared!" MC Ryota Yamazato responded, "TBS is shaking! Your words are too real," drawing laughter from the audience.

Tom Brown has previously advanced to the finals of the M-1 Grand Prix twice, and now he has advanced to the finals of King of Conte, making him a double finalist. Michio openly showed his rivalry with Long Coat Daddy, a triple finalist in M-1, King of Conte, and Double Impact, and challenged Usagi to a hand-pushing sumo match. Michio went wild, trying to strangle Usagi, and got the crowd excited.

Rainbow, who were late to the competition due to work commitments, all released a statement. Ikeda Naoto expressed his excitement, saying, "I'm deeply moved to be able to perform with Shizuru, who I've admired and watched since I was in middle school. I'm glad I worked so hard," while Jumbo Takao added, "I wondered if we were comedians who wouldn't make it to the finals... I'm so glad, so happy, and so grateful."

"King of Conte" is a comedy contest that has been held annually since 2008, and this year marks its 18th time. Any unit of two or more people can participate, regardless of whether they are professional or amateur, and there are no restrictions on their length of experience. Past winners include "Tokyo 03," "Robert," "Kamometaru," "Baikingu," and "Hanako." Last year, a total of 3,139 groups entered, and Love Letters was crowned the 17th King. This year's final will be broadcast live on TBS on October 11th. The winner will receive a prize of 10 million yen.