TV Industry Insider Discussion is The Next Generation of MC Comedians of Who Will Dominate the U-45 Era?
As the generational shift accelerates, who are the "real powerhouses"?
The unexpected side of that popular comedian
C: Although he was a late bloomer compared to Sawabe and Kazlaser, Ryuichi Hamaya (41) of “Kamaitachi” has been receiving an endless stream of offers recently. Having served as a personality on “ZIP!” (Nippon TV), he is also capable of hosting information programs.
A: I once worked with Hamaya on a show where he was the sole MC. The guest lineup was large and full of people eager to dominate the conversation. Some guests were struggling to get a word in, so I was about to write a cue card asking him to include them. But before I could even do that, Hamaya smoothly turned to them and asked, “What do you think?” The recording lasted about three hours, and throughout, he ensured that everyone had a chance to speak. It left a strong impression on me.
B: When I worked with him, he was humble during the pre-show meeting, saying, “I haven’t done much MC work, so I’m nervous.” But once the cameras rolled, he hosted flawlessly. It’s no wonder networks are eager to book him.
D: It may come as a surprise, but Takashi Yoshimura (44) of “Heisei Nobushikobushi,” who rose to fame with his wild persona, is also establishing himself as an MC. The show he hosts, “Taxi Driver, Take Me to the Best Restaurant!” (TV Tokyo), is now in its fourth year.
B: Behind the scenes, Yoshimura is the opposite of wild—he’s extremely diligent. He always arrives at the studio three hours before the show to prepare for pre-meetings and rehearsals. Checking out the books and video works of the guests is a given for him. But he takes it a step further—before the recording begins, he always shares his thoughts on their work to establish rapport.
C: Speaking of unexpected aspects, Shohei Osada (45) from “Chocolate Planet,” who serves as an MC on “The Kamiwaza Challenge” (TBS), has an interesting contrast. Known for his playful, kid-friendly comedy, like the TT Brothers skit, he is actually very quiet and focused on his work. He rarely engages in unnecessary chatter during meetings and hardly ever jokes around with co-stars. If a recording starts to go off track, he will firmly cut in and steer it back on course. He’s a true craftsman-like MC.
In the next part, we’ll reveal the name of a comedian at the center of recent controversies
From the March 7, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”
PHOTO： Sankei Shimbun
