The beloved Japanese comedy trio Babilon has announced the end of their activities as a trio effective February 2, 2023. After overcoming countless challenges during their 14-year stint, member O-chan has decided to depart the group, leading Nori and Chiba to continue together as a duo.
Established back in 2010 as part of NSC (National School of Comedy), Babilon quickly became known for their dynamic performances and skilled comedic timing. Primarily based out of the Yoshimoto Infinity Hall in Tokyo, the trio captured the hearts and laughter of fans across Japan. Their lively routines often incorporated physical comedy and engaging skits, making them a staple on the comedy circuit.
Despite their success, Babilon faced numerous challenges including what they referred to as various "disbandment crises" over the years. Their resilience and commitment to each other helped them navigate through tough times, but the COVID-19 pandemic presented new hurdles. During this period, the trio showcased their adaptability by launching engaging initiatives on YouTube. For example, the immensely popular "ZOOM endurance sleep challenge" drew attention and laughter from audiences, allowing the members to connect with fans online.
Recently, the announcement of O-chan's departure came as both a surprise and anticipated change. Nori posted on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the abrupt nature of the news: "We will continue to support each other as we pursue our separate careers," he stated. Accompanying this, Chiba expressed, "We thank everyone who supported us and we hope for your continued support for our future endeavors," emphasizing their deep gratitude toward their fanbase.
Reflecting on O-chan's departure, he took to X to clarify his reasons, confessing, "I apologize for my sudden departure." His comments highlighted the deep emotional connection the trio shares, paralleling the sentiments expressed by Nori and Chiba. This moment marked both the end of their collective chapter but also the beginning of new paths for each comedian.
Even with the trio coming to an end, Nori and Chiba plan to continue their partnership and explore new comedic avenues. They expressed optimism about their future, with Nori humorously sharing, "We haven't done much yet, so let's hit the gym first!" This hopeful perspective showcases their readiness to embrace the next phase of their careers.
The closing performance of Babilon is anticipated to be emotional, serving not only as a farewell but also as a celebration of their shared achievements over the past 14 years. Fans will likely get the chance to relive some of their favorite moments from the trio, making the final show even more significant.
Looking back, Babilon has made its mark on the Japanese comedy scene through its energetic and powerful comedy style. They were even featured on the popular TBS program, "Wednesday Downtown" where they participated in 'disbandment pranks," showcasing their humorous adaptability.
With laughter, joy, and fond memories, Babilon’s end as a trio is bittersweet. Each member plans to continue pursuing their comedic passion—Nori and Chiba together as partners, and O-chan branching out as a solo artist. This evolution is sure to excite fans and the broader comedy audience alike, promising fresh and innovative performances to come.
Fans of Babilon can expect more from Nori and Chiba's duo as they step onto this new stage of their careers, encapsulating the enduring spirit of laughter and camaraderie they’ve shared throughout their time together.