The M-1 Grand Prix 2024, Japan's premier comedy competition, concluded on December 22, 2024, at TV Tokyo in Roppongi, Tokyo, with the event demonstrating an extraordinary level of talent and entertainment. This year’s competition was marked by record participation, with 1,330 teams entering, crowning it as one of the most anticipated events in the Japanese entertainment industry.
Among this year’s finalists were the debuting duo Batterys, last year's champions Reiwa Roman, and the seasoned group Shinkū Jessica, each showcasing their unique comedic styles before a captivated audience. Reiwa Roman, notorious for their quick wit and charm, opened the competition once again as the first performers—a role they took on for the second consecutive year. Their skit, which centered on their anxieties about friends getting married, scored them 850 points, setting the stage for the intense competition to follow.
Following closely, Shinkū Jessica, known for their standout performances over the years, pleased judges and spectators with their clever exchanges, earning them 849 points. What made the evening particularly intriguing was the introduction of Batterys. Known for their unpredictable humor and energetic stage presence, Batterys surprised both the audience and judges with their performance, which included hilarious misunderstandings and spontaneous quips. Their score of 861 points not only marked the highest first-round score ever recorded but also propelled them to the ultimate showdown of the evening.
This year's judges included notable comedians such as Akira Ishida from NON STYLE, who was vocally appreciative of Batterys, saying, "The timing and angles of the jokes were unpredictable, leading to uncontrollable laughter from the audience." Meanwhile, the hosts from the competition were comedian Koji Imada and actress Aya Ueto, who kept the atmosphere lively throughout the event.
When it was time for the final round, anticipation was palpable. Batterys took to the stage once more, presenting their signature brand of comedy, which highlighted Ace’s carefree antics as the central focus. Despite their earlier success, they fell short, securing three votes from the judges. Reiwa Roman, on the other hand, captivated the audience and the judges alike with their ability to engage effortlessly, garnering five votes and sealing their victory.
After their win, Kuri from Reiwa Roman expressed immense joy, stating, "We are the champions once again! This win feels even more incredible than last year!" The duo achieved something remarkable—becoming the first group to win back-to-back titles at M-1, etching their names firmly in the annals of comedic history.
The success of Batterys, securing second place at their first finals appearance, has redefined expectations for newcomers to the M-1 Grand Prix. Ace reflected on their long-standing ambitions to reach this level of recognition, saying, “This marks our seventh attempt, and we finally made it to the finals.” Their performance will undoubtedly be remembered for setting such high bars for future entries.
The 2024 M-1 Grand Prix not only celebrated the winners but solidified the event’s stature as the pinnacle of comedic talent and performance. The laughter shared among the audience underscored the unifying power of humor, making for yet another memorable chapter of the M-1 legacy. With the anticipation already building for next year's competition, fans can only wonder how these dynamic duos will evolve and entertain the nation. The competition continues to be not just about laughs, but also about nurturing the next generation of comedic talent, fostering creativity, and connecting audiences through humor.
