On January 13, 2025, the 10th Kamigata Comedy Association Award ceremony was held at the Namba Grand Kagetsu in Osaka. The noteworthy event celebrated the talents of comedians from various fields, with the Grand Prize awarded to the popular comedy duo Donuts-Peanuts.
Receiving the award, the duo, formed back in 2015 by the duo of Peanuts (the boke) and Donuts (the tsukkomi), expressed immense gratitude. With their roots at the Tokyo NSC and mentorship under Nakata Kaosu, the duo has quickly ascended to fame within the Kansai region, securing roles on popular regional television programs. Their successful solo tour across major cities like Fukuoka, Aichi, and Tokyo last year certainly laid the groundwork for this accolade.
Nakata Kaosu, the association's president and their mentor, humorously remarked, "It seems like some invisible power has been at work. This year, I plan to change my stage name to 'Eko-hiiki,' as the results show I greatly support my disciples!" His jest punctuated the atmosphere, aligning with the celebratory tone of the evening.
Alongside the Grand Prize, other awards were also presented. The Newcomer Award went to Jock Rock, who expressed excitement, stating, "Thank you for your support; we are aiming for higher goals now." Highlighting the competitive nature of the award, the Special Prize was secured by Reiwa Roman, recognized for their consistent performances, particularly after winning the M-1 Grand Prix last year.
Jock Rock's success stood out, with competitors like the popular duo of Batteryz and ensembles such as Evers also vying for recognition. The so-called 'Buzz Award' celebrated the popularity of Batteryz, echoing the exciting developments within the comedy scene.
This year's Kamigata Comedy Association Award also featured new categories, illustrating the association's commitment to adapting and promoting various comedic forms. Among the newly introduced honors, the Artist Achievement Award celebrated long-standing contributions to the field, and recipients included Cotton's Nishimura Shinji for writing and Kyon for acting.
The association aims not only to recognize outstanding talent today but also to cultivate the future of comedy. This year marks the 10th culmination of efforts by the organization, founded to groom and support young comedians and maintain the rich heritage of Osaka's entertaining culture.
Throughout this decade-long celebration, highlights from previous winners were showcased, particularly those who paved the path for contemporary stars like Donuts-Peanuts. Past honorees include the likes of Einstein, Yoshida Tachi, and Mikey, signifying the depth of talent recognized by the association.
After the ceremony, Donuts-Peanuts performed their new skit centered around the humorous premise of using “Rental Mother,” which left the audience roaring with laughter. The blend of fresh material and their established comedic style echoes the essence of what the Kamigata Comedy Association promotes.
Reflecting on their win, the duo made clear their intention to continue honing their craft, ensuring they deliver standout performances worthy of the recognition they’ve achieved. Peanuts asserted, "This award carries weight, and we will strive to perform without shame moving forward." Donuts added, "Winning this award is both encouraging and motivating for us to keep improving and to bring laughter to our audiences."
The night culminated with applause from the audience, who celebrated the return to live performances and cherished the spirit of comedy fostering both joy and togetherness.
With the highlight of the evening, the Kamigata Comedy Association Awards not only set the stage for the best of comedy today but also reinvigorated the entire comedic community, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the artistic essence of their craft.
The Kamigata Comedy Association continues to be pivotal not only for the entertainers involved but also for audiences who cherish the unique art form of Japanese stand-up comedy.