The M-1 Grand Prix 2024 finals culminated on December 22, 2024, at TV朝日 located in Roppongi, Tokyo, marking the 20th anniversary of this highly anticipated event. The grand stage witnessed the best manzai duos battling it out for the title of Japan's number one comedian, bringing together comedic talent and the thrill of competition.
The finalists included Battery, Reiwa Roman, and Shinkyu Jessica. Each of these acts triumphed through rigorous preliminary rounds, showcasing their skills and humor to survive the intense scrutiny and audience voting. The stakes were high, as comedians from all over Japan entered the competition, reflecting the cultural significance and widespread popularity of manzai.
The atmosphere on the day of the final was electric, with fans eagerly awaiting the performances. The notable judges for the event included esteemed comedians such as Ishida Akira from NON STYLE and Shibata Hidetugu from Untouchable. Their expertise lent credibility to the competition, as fans listened with bated breath for their critiques.
Post-performances, the scoring began, with Battery leading the pack with impressive points against their competitors. Reiwa Roman, who had previously won the competition the year before, continued to demonstrate their comedic prowess, earning favorable scores from the judges.
During the final showdown, each of the top three acts presented their best routines, engaging the audience and judges alike. Battery, achieving the highest score of 861 points, exemplified what it means to engage with their audience. The crowd erupted with laughter and applause, recognizing the duo's exceptional skill, wit, and performance style.
Reiwa Roman followed closely with 850 points, showcasing comedic timing and creativity, cleverly referencing contemporary themes. Their relatable humor struck a chord with the audience, preserving their status as formidable competitors.
Shinkyu Jessica rounded out the final performances with 849 points; their performance was characterized by unique storytelling and quick-witted dialogue. The dynamic between the performers created a captivating presence on stage, which did not go unnoticed by the judges.
After the final voting and deliberation by the judges, the results were announced. Reiwa Roman reclaimed their title, becoming the champions for the second consecutive year, cementing their legacy within the M-1 Grand Prix history.
Reflections on the event showed great excitement among fans. "This M-1 Grand Prix is now at its 20th anniversary. It's where fantasy and dreams can be brought to life on stage," noted announcer Yamamoto Takashi during the event, encapsulating the spirit of the competition. Meanwhile, Shinsuke Shimada, the founder of the M-1 Grand Prix, reiterated, "This competition remains the dream entrance for aspiring comedians, and its future is bright."
Through spectacular performances and heartfelt moments, the M-1 Grand Prix 2024 finals showcased the depth of comedic talent present within Japan. Generational shifts of humor and perspective were evident this year, ensuring the tradition of manzai continues to thrive.
