The finals of the "R-1 Grand Prix 2025" (Kansai TV/Fuji TV network), which decides the "best solo comedian in Japan," will be broadcast live on March 8th from 6:30 pm. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the event, and 5,511 people have entered, far more than last year, making it the highest number ever. The nine people selected will compete fiercely.
The R-1 Grand Prix began in 2002 and this year marks its 23rd time. The "R" stands for "rakugo" (comic storytelling). Originally, it was called the "Declaration of a New Type of Rakugo" to revitalize the field of rakugo, and the rule for the first tournament was that all contestants had to perform their stand-up comedy on a zabuton cushion. From the second tournament onwards, this restriction was lifted and any solo act was allowed, including the use of sound effects. Previous winners include Hakata Hanamaru of "Hakata Hanamaru-Daikichi", Hollywood Zakoshishou, Akira 100%, Soshina of "Shimofuri Myojo", and Noda Crystal of "Magical Lovely". Last year, Machiura Pink was crowned the 22nd champion.
Just like last year, the finals will have a four-minute skit. The nine finalists compete in the first stage, which is judged by the judges' points, with the top three advancing to the final stage to perform one more skit. The winner will be decided by a final vote by the judges. The winner will receive a prize of 5 million yen, and will also appear on "Saturday Premium 'ENGEI Grand Slam'", which will be broadcast live from 9pm.
The finalists this time were Hiro Okamura, Chance Oshiro, Tatsuhara Rine, Hagino Lizardman, Lucifer Yoshioka, Yoshizumi, Sayaka Niyama, Tomoda Ore, and Matsumoto Club (in order of their material). Lucifer Yoshioka and Matsumoto Club are advancing to the finals for the seventh time. Yoshizumi is advancing for the fourth time, and Tatsuhara, the 2023 champion, is advancing for the second time in two years.
The judges will be Tomonori Jinnai, Bakarhythm, Chito Koyabu, Crystal Noda (Magical Lovely), Hollywood Zakoshishou, and two new members, for a total of seven judges. The remaining two members will be announced on the special program "Shimofuri Myojo's R-1 Grand Prix 100 Times More Fun TV" that will be broadcast from 3:00 pm.
