"King of Conte 2025" (TBS), which will decide the best comedy sketch in Japan this year, will be broadcast live from 6:30 pm on October 11th. Five groups making their first appearance in the finals, three finalists from last year, and two returning finalists will compete for the title of "Japan's Best Comedy Artist."
"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. The winner's prize money is 10 million yen.
The 10 groups that advanced to the finals out of a record 3,449 groups were Shizuru, Long Coat Daddy, Fire Thunder, Ultra Boogies, Yadan, Aoi No. 1, Bernardo, Ganso 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.
The MC will be Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown. The judges will be the same as last year, including past champions Jiro (Sisonne), Kenji Yamauchi (Kamaitachi), Ryuji Akiyama (Robert), Eiji Kotoge (Bike King), and Satoshi Iizuka (Tokyo 03).
