The winner was the December 10 finals of the comedy award race “Women’s Comedy No.
“THE W” is a system where the final battle is contested by the three groups that win each block: block A,block B,and block C. Niboshiiwashi won Block A with manzai where obanzai is sold by the famous brand ”Chanel”,and in the final battle,Niboshiiwashi confronts Kosora about the relationship between idols and toilets,and Niboshiiwashi keeps his comments to her in manzai. . She defeated her opponent, Buruma Konno, and Chuken Tate Hachi High School to become the 8th queen.
In 2024, autonomous agencies such as Nibo Shiwashi and Dokusai switch Project will step forward.
Niboshiiwashi was first active in Osaka. She graduated from the “NSC Osaka School”,an entertainment school run by Yoshimoto Kogyo,and was a member of Yoshimoto Kogyo for a while,but left the school. From 2018 to august 2020, he was also registered with another entertainment agency, and has been working independently as then. In October 2023, we moved our base to Tokyo.
niboshiwashi was known in Osaka’s indie comedy scene. About a year after moving to Tokyo,he finally won the big title he wanted. Until now, Hikaru Daita (Mason) in “R-1 Grand Prix” (‘R-1 Grand Prix” in 2002) was the only comedian not affiliated with an agency to win a national comedy award race. This is a truly historic achievement.
Niboshiiwashi is not the only comedian not affiliated with an agency. In “R-1 Grand Prix 2024”, Dokusai Switch Kikaku, an independent amateur who works for a company, advanced to the finals and finished in 4th place. In May 2024, Dokusai Switch Planning will move it’s base from Osaka to Tokyo and change its title from amateur to independent. With comedy as his main occupation, he wants to take another step forward as a comedian.
In addition,in 2023,Bonnie Bonnie,who has a record of “1,200 live performances per year”,will participate as a free agent for the first time in the history of the competition in the preliminary round,which is a preliminary round. for the “YTV Manzai Newcomer award,” as a gateway to young talent in Osaka. Bonnie Bonnie will be featured not only in 2023,but also in the pre-BABHta of the YTV Manzai Newcomer Award 2024. He is a regular winner of this award and aims to advance to the finals. He became widely known as a promising star of osaka’s indie comedy scene.
In the 2024 M-1 Grand Prix, Kansai free skater Suzukaze and amateur Takubigamu advanced to the quarterfinals. It is indeed amazing that the number of entries has increased year after year,and the quarter finals in M-1 were finally reached in 2024,when the number of entries exceeded 10,000.
Having a live house in osaka that accepts many comedians who are not affiliated with an
“It’s a great way to perform at large-scale live events and get a foothold in Tokyo.”
Barry Bonnie and Kunoshin (left) and Hanasaki Tenjin (center) participated in the preliminary ROUND as volunteers for the first time in the history of the “YTV Manzai Newcomer Award” / Photo: Photo by the author
So, in dressing room A, we introduced a ranking system of TOP3, Gakuya A, and Gakuya B. A competition is also organized to create a competitive spirit, and the winners are given a cash prize. Nibo Shiiwashi, who won “THE W 2024,” was once one of the best members. In addition, there were also competitions for selected members to appear on programs on major radio stations. Shinnosuke Kato said, “This seems to be encouraging independent comedians as well.”
In addition, Shinnosuke Kato said that he wanted to make dressing room A and the wings of the stage a place where freelancers, amateur comedians, and student comedians active in the Kansai region could improve thier skills. He also hoped that “I would like him to perform at large-scale live events and use this as a stepping stone to being active in Tokyo.” niboshii did when he won “THE W”.
In 2024, it can be said with certainty that Nibo Shiwashi, the results of Dokusai Switch Project in the major national awards race opened a hole in the comedy world. What kind of unique freelancers and amateur entertainers will emerge from this hole in the future? As seen in the good example of Lalande,who reached the semi-finals as an amateur in M-1 2019 and later became a popular duo,the mood seems to be that it can be done without being
gradually through the comedy world I wonder if not.
**What are the implications of Niboshiiwashi’s victory for aspiring comedians in Japan?**
Interview between Time.news Editor and Comedy Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to another insightful episode of our interview series. Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of comedy and discussing a recent groundbreaking achievement in this field. Joining me is Dr. Sato Tanaka, a renowned expert in Japanese comedy culture and author of several books on stand-up and performance arts. Dr. Tanaka, thank you for being here.
Dr. Sato Tanaka: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a vibrant topic.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Recently, Niboshiiwashi clinched victory in the December 10 finals of the “Women’s comedy No. W” award. This is not only a personal triumph for her but also a significant moment in the comedy landscape. Why does her victory matter so much in the context of Japanese comedy?
Dr. Sato Tanaka: Niboshiiwashi’s win is historic for multiple reasons. Firstly, she achieved this title without being affiliated with a major entertainment agency, which is quiet rare in Japan. Traditionally, most successful comedians are part of larger organizations that provide structure and support. By winning the competition independently, Niboshiiwashi opens the door for aspiring comedians to pursue their careers without agency affiliation.
Editor: Absolutely! Many might not realize how significant that is. Can you tell us more about her background? How did she navigate the early stages of her career?
Dr. Sato Tanaka: Certainly! Niboshiiwashi started her journey in Osaka, where she graduated from the NSC Osaka School, an important stepping stone for many aspiring entertainers. She worked with Yoshimoto Kogyo—one of the most prominent talent agencies in Japan—before stepping out to establish herself independently. This decision was bold, especially since she faced the challenge of breaking into Tokyo’s competitive scene, which she managed impressively within a year.
Editor: It’s fascinating how she persevered thru the challenges. Tell us about her performance style. What sets her apart from other comedians?
Dr. Sato Tanaka: Niboshiiwashi is known for her unique blend of manzai—an engaging form of stand-up comedy characterized by a duo format. However, she brought a fresh perspective by focusing on contemporary themes. As an example, her approach to the relationship between idols and societal perceptions, including the humorous yet poignant commentary about toilets in her final battle, resonated deeply with audiences. Such content, while humorous, reflects social commentary, which is a hallmark of great comedy.
Editor: It sounds like she has a keen ability to connect with her audience. In 2024, we hear that autonomous agencies like Niboshiiwashi’s team will step forward. What do you foresee for the future of independent comedians in Japan?
Dr. Sato Tanaka: The future looks promising! As Niboshiiwashi’s success shines a spotlight on independent comedians, we may see a diversification in the comedy landscape. More individuals may feel empowered to pursue their passions outside traditional agency constraints.Also, as audiences crave authentic and varied voices, independent comedians may increasingly fill that niche with their unique perspectives.
Editor: That’s an exciting thought! Before we wrap up, do you think Niboshiiwashi’s win could shift the expectations or standards in future comedy competitions?
Dr. Sato Tanaka: Yes, definitely! Niboshiiwashi’s achievement sets a precedent that challenges the status quo. it encourages more diverse representations and styles in competitions.Future participants may feel more empowered to express their individuality and tackle different themes, rejecting the confines of traditional comedic tropes.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tanaka, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s always refreshing and enlightening to hear expert opinions on significant cultural shifts. We look forward to seeing how independent comedy evolves in japan and beyond!
Dr. Sato Tanaka: Thank you for the engaging conversation! I am excited about the future of comedy in Japan and can’t wait to see what emerges next.