The M-1 Grand Prix 2024 once again captivated audiences with its high-stakes competition, culminating on December 22 at TV-Asahi’s venue in Roppongi, Tokyo. This year marked the 20th edition of Japan’s premier manzai (Japanese stand-up comedy) competition, featuring over 13,300 entries and showcasing the remarkable talent of finalists.
The finale saw the comedy duo 令和ロマン (Reiwa Roman) emerged victorious, achieving what no other team has done before: consecutive championships. They triumphed over formidable competitors such as ヤーレンズ (Yarelens) and バッテリィズ (Batteries), sealing their place as the top comedic act of the year. Reiwa Roman scored impressively across the judges' evaluations, leading to their overwhelming victory and sparking celebrations among fans and fellow participants alike.
Judging the intensity of the competition were notable figures from the comedy scene, including 石田明 (Ishida Akira), who expressed deep emotional ties to the M-1 legacy, stating, "This event changed my life." Another judge, 若林正恭 (Wakabayashi Masayasu), remarked on the emotional weight of participating: "I've been saved by M-1, and I will do my best to judge today." Their commentary reflects the serious nature and the life-changing potential entailed by the contest.
The tension was palpable as each finalist took the stage. Reiwa Roman opened the show, setting the standard high with their innovative routine. The judges showed their appreciation with scores all exceeding 90, indicating the favorable reception to Reiwa Roman’s performance. Following them, ヤーレンズ dazzled the audience with their sketches, but couldn't match the energy set forth by the reigning champions.
One of the highlights was the performance by バッテリィズ, touted as the dark horse of the night. Their comical timing, described by judge 石田 as unpredictable and exciting, earned them high praise. They received two top scores of 97 from different judges, showing both the shock factor and charm of their act. "Their humor feels fresh and lively, especially during these times," said 若林, highlighting their unique style stood out among the rest.
While many previous champions could only dream of the repeated glory, Reiwa Roman stands alone as the first to clinch the title twice. Their win not only adds to their legacy but enriches the festival’s reputation as it continues to evolve.
This remarkable achievement was hinted at before the competition, as industry veterans emphasized its significance. 類似するテーマが各々のスタイルで披露され、 judges were enthusiastic to see competitors push boundaries, particularly with how manzai has adapted to contemporary tastes.
Meanwhile, one of the event’s notable moments came from the beloved duo トム・ブラウン, who with 823 points, unfortunately did not make it through to the final battle. Their followers and fans shared audible gasps as they closed their performance. The duo, which has been together for over 15 years, faced their final M-1 competition this year, and expressed both nostalgia and hope as they stepped off the stage. "I wish we could have performed the skit with the face swap of actress 剛力彩芽 (Gōriki Ayame), but I enjoyed every single part of it," shared team member 布川ひろき as they reflected on their time at the competition.
The new judges brought fresh perspectives to the event format, opting for the ninth panel member for the first time since 2015, enhancing the evaluation system. This year’s judging included past champions and well-known comedians who elevated the stakes of objectivity and scrutiny alike. With the humor level rising, so did the challenges faced by the comics as they offered up their best material.
All eyes were turned on Reiwa Roman as they stepped forward to accept their award, their heartfelt acceptance speech moving both the audience and the judges who shared their experiences from their own journeys. Moments before the announcement, they thanked their fellow competitors and encouraged those dreaming of comedy to continue their craft, sharing the stage with them renewed the competitive spirit.
Looking back on the M-1 Grand Prix history, Reiwa Roman's unprecedented success serves as both inspiration and motivation for the future of Japanese comedy. By pitting the most skilled and engaging acts against one another, the M-1 Grand Prix affirms its position as the ultimate platform where comedians find not just competition, but also camaraderie and legacy.
Reiwa Roman's reign invites questions about who will dare to challenge them next, pushing the boundaries of creativity and bringing forward the next wave of comedy brilliance. With steadfast enthusiasm, fans can only wait with bated breath for the next installment of M-1, where dreams and laughter come together.
