The press conference announcing the finalists for the R-1 Grand Prix 2026 (Kantele/Fuji TV), which will determine the "best solo comedian in Japan," was held in Tokyo on February 15th, and the nine finalists were announced. From a total of 6,171 entries, the largest number in the competition's history, Shinya, Imai Raihachi, Watanabe Ginji, Nanamagari Hatsuse, Sasurai Rabi Nakata, Makishi, Lucifer Yoshioka, Kujo Joe, and Tontsukatan Omatcha advanced to the finals.
The R-1 Grand Prix began in 2002 and this year marks its 24th year. The "R" stands for "rakugo" (comic storytelling). Originally, the competition was called the "Declaration of a New Type of Rakugo" to revitalize the rakugo field, and the first competition required all contestants to perform stand-up comedy on a zabuton cushion. From the second competition onwards, this restriction was lifted, and any solo act was allowed, including the use of sound effects. Last year, 23-year-old Tomoda Ore, who has been in the entertainment industry for three years, won the competition, attracting attention as the youngest winner to date.
This time, Lucifer Yoshioka will be making his eighth appearance in the finals, while Makishi and Tontsukatan Omatcha will both be making their second appearance since 2024. Seven people will be making their first appearance in the finals, including Ginji Watanabe of Dondécolleté, the runner-up in the 2025 M-1 Grand Prix.
In the finals, nine contestants compete in the first stage. The time limit for their skits is four minutes. The first stage is judged by the judges for points. The top three perform one more skit on the final stage, and the winner is decided not by points but by a final vote of the judges. The winner receives a prize of 5 million yen.
The final will be broadcast live on the Kansai TV/Fuji TV network from 6:30 PM on March 21st. The MC and judges will be announced at a later date.
◇The order of the final acts is as follows (titles omitted):
1st Shinya
2nd place: Imai Raipachi
3rd: Watanabe Ginji
4th Nanamagari Hatsuse
5th Wandering Rabi Nakata
6th Makishi
7th Lucifer Yoshioka
8th Joe Kujo
9th Tontsukatan Matcha
