The final round of the "R-1 Grand Prix 2026" (Kansai TV/Fuji TV), a competition to determine Japan's best solo comedian, was held on March 21st, with Imai Raipachi emerging victorious and standing at the top of 6,171 other contestants.
Raipachi Imai was born on April 6, 1987, and hails from Shiga Prefecture. He is a comedian with 15 years of experience, belonging to Yoshimoto Kogyo. He won "All That Manzai 2020," and his appearance in the R-1 Grand Prix finals was a remarkable achievement, his first time reaching the finals.
The finalists this time were Shinya, Imai Raipachi, Don Decorte Watanabe Ginji, Nanamagari Hatsuse, Sasurai Rabby Nakata, Makishi, Lucifer Yoshioka, Kujo Joe, and Tontsukatan Omatcha. Imai and Omatcha tied for first place with 669 points, and Watanabe advanced to the final stage with 655 points.
