The show, "Japan's Best Impersonator Champion Will Be Decided Tonight! The Impersonator Championship: The Annual Ironclad Material Battle Special," will air on Fuji TV's "Saturday Premium" slot (Saturday, 9 p.m.) on December 6th, where 20 groups that won nationwide auditions will compete in a fierce singing impersonation contest. The MC will be Imada Koji, with actor Yamazaki Ikusaburo serving as the special MC.
In the preliminary round, which is divided into five blocks, A, B, C, D, and E, the group with the highest score (1st place) from each block will advance to the final round. In addition, there will be a losers' bracket, and the top two groups with the highest scores from second place and below in each block will advance to the final round. With a lineup of classic songs from the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, past champions, veterans, and first-time participants will compete in a three-way battle.
After the preliminary round, there will be a special "Face-Only Lookalike" corner. The highly popular "We Want to See the Face-Only Lookalikes" will appear, as well as newly discovered face-only lookalikes. Lookalikes of the MCs Imada and Yamazaki will also appear.
The contestants and judges are as follows (in alphabetical order, titles omitted): <Contestants> Aramaki Yoko ▽ Ehara Masahiro ▽ Katrina Yoko (first time) ▽ Kintaro ▽ JP ▽ Tamtam ▽ Double Name ▽ Tomoda Ore (first time) ▽ Nanami ▽ Nanaminana ▽ Haraguchi Akimasa ▽ Hariya Kikuko ▽ HAL (first time) ▽ Beauty Kokubu ▽ HIWA (first time) ▽ Hoikenta ▽ Matsuura Kodai ▽ Miracle Hikaru ▽ Mr. Shachihoko ▽ Yoyoyo-chan <Judges> Ann Mika ▽ Imai Masaki ▽ IMALU ▽ Kataoka Tsurutarou ▽ Sakai Masaaki ▽ Suzuki Sarina ▽ Chinen Rina ▽ Nakama Junta (WEST.) ▽ Ryoga Haruhi ▽ Watanabe Yuta
◇Comment from Koji Imada
I've been an MC for decades, but this time the level was especially high! Miracle Hikaru's worldview perfectly matched the enthusiasm of the audience, and it felt like I was transported to another world (laughs). I think each impersonator is particular about the details, and Miracle particularly stood out in that respect. Also, Shachihoko's singing level has improved with each performance, to the point that I wondered, "Was he really this good?" Many of the performers performed new material, and each one was of high quality! I really hope you pay attention to it. (As for the facial look-alikes) The quality was extremely high! There was a cheesy "this is it!" feel to it, but it was also a fantastic performance. Please look forward to it.
◇Comment from Ikusaburo Yamazaki
I was surprised and moved by the high level of their performance! It was also clear that each of them was putting their life on the line as a professional. HAL, a current university student, made me feel like a Reiwa star had been born. His singing voice was pure and flowed smoothly into my ears, which was a strange sensation. And as for Kintaro, with whom I've performed in musicals, it's difficult even for a musical actor to sing so consistently despite all that dancing. I witnessed Kintaro's incredible level, potential, and strength. (As for the look-alike, not only is his face similar, but even his mannerisms are similar.) I was amazed. My look-alike looked extremely similar!
