The final round of the "R-1 Grand Prix 2026" (Kansai TV/Fuji TV), which determines Japan's best solo comedian, will be broadcast live from 6:30 p.m. on March 21st. Now in its 24th year, this year's competition has seen a record-breaking 6,171 entries, far exceeding last year's number. The nine finalists will compete fiercely.
Following last year's format, the final round will have a 4-minute performance time limit. The first stage, featuring nine finalists, will be judged by a panel of judges, with the top three advancing to the final stage where they will perform one more routine. The winner will be determined by a final vote of the judges. The grand prize is 5 million yen, and the winner will also appear on the live broadcast of "Saturday Premium 'ENGEI Grand Slam'" starting at 9 PM. Last year, 23-year-old Tomoda Ore, with only three years of experience as a comedian, won the competition, becoming the youngest champion in the competition's history and generating considerable buzz.
The finalists this time are Shinya, Imai Raipachi, Watanabe Ginji, Nanamagari Hatsuse, Sasurai Rabby Nakata, Makishi, Lucifer Yoshioka, Kujo Joe, and Tontsukatan Omatcha.
Lucifer Yoshioka is making his eighth appearance in the finals, while Makishi and Tontsukatan Omatcha are both making their second appearance in the finals since 2024. Seven contestants will be making their first appearance in the finals, including Ginji Watanabe of "Don Decorte," the runner-up in "M-1 Grand Prix 2025."
From this year onwards, the MCs will be Ryota Ryota Yamazato(Nankai Candies) and Meru Nukumi. The judges will be the same as last year: Tomonori Jinnai, Bakarhythm, Tomochika, Kazutoyo Koyabu, Crystal Noda (Magical Lovely), Kazuyuki Sakuma, and Hollywood Zakoshisho.
