Soshina, the renowned comedian from the duo Shimo-furi Myojo, is stepping up to the big stage as one of the judges for the upcoming YTV New Comedian Award. This esteemed event aims to celebrate young comedic talent and will take place on March 2, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, broadcasted locally on Yomiuri Television (YTV) and streamed live on TVer.
Having been crowned the champion himself back in 2017 at the seventh iteration of the YTV New Comedian Award, Soshina has garnered attention for his fresh insights and expectations around this year’s judging. “I’m excited to be part of this! It’s really about supporting the young comedians who are genuinely funny,” he shared, reflecting the hopes he has for the contestants.
This year’s judging panel will consist of Soshina, along with other notable figures from the comedic world, including Ringo from High Heel, Kuuma from The Plan 9, Hollywood Zakoshisyow, and Nozomi Iwao from Football Hour. Each brings rich experience and varying comedic styles, which will lend depth to the evaluations.
Concerns have been raised about the age diversity among the judges, with Soshina himself pointing out the possibility of comedic gaps. “How can we expect judges over 50 to fully grasp the nuances of current comedic styles and phrases? It’s something to think about,” he remarked. His intention is clear: to make sure the winners truly reflect the vibrancy of contemporary comedy and not slip through the cracks due to generational misunderstandings.
Broadcasting from YTV headquarters, the competition will also feature public viewing setups, allowing fans to be part of the action. The event will be ushered by the iconic hosts, Fuzisaki Market, and last year’s champion, Kuzen Meteor, who are sure to add their own flair to the proceedings.
“I want to evaluate this properly, ensuring those who are genuinely funny are recognized, rather than letting those who aren’t win,” Soshina emphasized, underscoring his commitment to fairness. Expectations are high, and many are eager to see how this fresh judging lineup, particularly with Soshina's hands-on approach, will shape the final selections.
Following the competition’s conclusion, everyone will be eager to see which new stars emerge, potentially impacting the future of comedy. Soshina is aware of the weight of his responsibility: “If someone wins who doesn’t belong there, it stagnates our scene. We need fresh, bright talents to push comedy forward,” he concluded hopefully.
With this fresh judging perspective and enthusiastic participation from Soshina and his fellow judges, the YTV New Comedian Award is shaping up to be more than just another contest; it’s set to be a pivotal moment for young comedians brimming with talent and potential.