M-1″ champion “Westland” has attracted a great deal of attention! The charm of “Nishi-Shinjuku NARUGEKI

A new mecca for comedians has emerged in the Kanto comedy scene. Comedians from companies that do not have permanent theaters, such as Yoshimoto Kogyo, have come to hone their skills at Nishi-Shinjuku Narugeki, which opened in April 2009. The “Narugeki Geinin,” as the theater is called, is home to a lineup of talented performers such as “Westland,” the “M-1 Grand Prix” champion, and “Kamomentaru,” the “King of Conte.

I wanted to create a place where not only a few comedians could perform, but anyone could perform on a stage of the scale where awards races are held on a daily basis. We wanted to create such a venue.

Kina Kojima is the representative of K-PRO, the production company that manages NARUGEKI. When asked about the theater’s appeal, he cites “a unique culture created by comedians.

There is an unspoken rule at Narugeki that we do not ask other comedians about their artistic backgrounds. Because comedians from various offices come and go, there is no clear vertical relationship between the comedians. We get along well, but on the other hand, there is also a sense of rivalry, as if to say, ‘We are the best. I think the distance between comedians is exquisite.

There are also many rules set by the comedians. In the “Narugeki Saikyou Kessen” held once every six months, the winner is given the right to make any wish come true. For example, there is always ice cream in the freezer in the waiting room, as ordered by the former champion, “Mama Tart. I think the most appealing aspect of the show is the unique atmosphere that the comedians create with each other.

NARUGEKI has now become one of the most popular theaters. However, the road to success has not been smooth.

In the beginning,” he said, “there were times when only a single digit number of the 148 seats in the auditorium was filled. Sometimes the staff would act as sakuras to pad the audience numbers so that the comedians wouldn’t get hurt (laughs). The turning point was, as I mentioned earlier, the “NARUGEKI Saikyou Kessen. The comedians who won this competition began to make more and more announcements, saying, “Narugeki is our theater! and they began to make more and more announcements. Then, their fans gradually ignited the fire, and now we have more and more shows with full houses. The comedians really helped us. I have nothing but gratitude.

His goal for the future is to see as many comedians as possible spread their wings.

Last year, something wonderful happened when ‘Westland’ won the ‘M-1’ competition. We were able to prove that if we work hard here, it will lead to the future. I want to continue to support these comedians.”

NARUGEKI” from a comedian’s point of view

On the other hand, what kind of existence does NARUGEKI have from the perspective of the performers? Udai Iwasaki (44), a comedian of Kamomentaru and a “NARUGEKI comedian,” says, “I was a comedian in NARUGEKI for the first time in ’21, and I have been a comedian ever since.

I participated in the “M-1″ for the first time in 2009, and I asked to be allowed to perform on stage as a manzai performer. I had to try out my material in front of other people to perfect it, so NARUGEKI’s constant presence is a big help.”

Yusuke Makio, 42, a comedian, feels that the fact that there are so many enthusiastic fans of comedy is an advantage.

The NARUGEKI audience watches our material carefully and laughs only when it is funny, which is very helpful for us to brush up on our material. Even now, I participate in Narugeki four or five times a month when there is a lot of activity.

Both men say they are grateful to Narugeki and hope that the theater will eventually become legendary.

NARUGEKI has a unique presence in the world of comedy. The success of NARUGEKI continues.

From the February 10, 2023 issue of “FRIDAY