[Inside the TV Industry] The Unexpected MC Talent Poised to Take Over the “U-45” Era

A skilled MC is essential not only for variety shows but also for news and sports programs. It is the presence of a great host who can keep conversations engaging while ensuring smooth progression that makes a show shine. This is why MCs command high salaries, with the most capable talents securing the limited top spots. However, with major figures like Hitoshi Matsumoto (61) of Downtown and Masahiro Nakai (52) stepping down one after another, the power dynamics have shifted dramatically. As generational change accelerates, who will be the next to dominate the industry?

For this feature, we gathered insights from four industry professionals: Producer A from a key network news program, Director B from a variety show, Writer C, and Veteran Staff D from a production company. They named 10 comedians seen as the true power players among the next-generation MCs.

In the first part, we revealed the name of a comedian with an outstanding reputation and another in high demand for educational variety programs.

[Television Industry Insider Roundtable] A Power Shift! Who Are the True Power Players Among the Next-Generation U-45 MC Comedians?

The strengths and weaknesses of edgy power players

C: While some comedians can serve as MCs for any type of show, others are too edgy, limiting the programs they can be cast in. The prime examples of this are Soshina (32) of Shimofuri Myojo and Tetsuya Morita (43) of Saraba Seishun no Hikari.

D: Soshina has a strong professional mindset. In pre-production meetings, if he thinks an idea isn’t funny, he bluntly says so. He’s not one to sugarcoat things. If a show brings in actresses or idols just for promotion, he visibly loses interest. On the other hand, if he finds a concept genuinely amusing, he gives it his all. Some staff members find him intimidating due to his strict nature, but his dedication earns him a loyal following among certain TV professionals.

A: Morita, like Soshina, is the type that resonates deeply with a niche audience. However, his tendency to throw in extreme sexual jokes makes him a difficult fit for family-oriented or daytime programs. On the other hand, he’s a perfect match for online platforms with fewer content restrictions, like Kachikochi TV on FANZA TV. Though he appears to be doing things on a whim, he actually knows how to control himself and skillfully directs the flow of conversation to make other participants shine. Among variety show staff, he’s widely regarded as one of the top MC talents of his generation.

The rising stars from east and west that the industry is watching

B: Among the younger generation compared to Morita, Takahira Kuruma (30) from “Reiwa Roman” has been active as an MC on shows like Minna TV (TV Asahi).

C: Many comedians in their generation tend to try too hard to be funny when hosting a show and end up floundering. In contrast, Kuruma is able to focus on bringing out the best in his guests’ talks—something that comes from the confidence of a two-time M-1 champion. Just when it seemed like his MC work would start increasing, the illegal online casino scandal hit him hard. Several shows that had been scheduled for broadcast have already been replaced.

D: While they don’t yet have significant achievements as MCs, Mitorizu’s Shintaro Moriyama (39) and New York’s Hiromasa Yashiki (38) are being closely watched by the industry as rising talents.

A: Moriyama may look rough around the edges, but he’s a perfectionist when it comes to work. When hosting a show, he’s mindful of how speaking time is distributed among guests and whether segments are running over time. He’s openly stated that his goal is to be like Kirin’s Akira Kawashima (46), whom he co-stars with on Love it! (TBS). He particularly admires Kawashima’s skill at making sharp and creative comedic comparisons.

B: Yashiki, who is the same age as Moriyama and a Tokyo NSC graduate, has strong support from deep-night show staff. During a late-night variety show recording, a fellow comedian started doing something completely off-script. While the staff panicked over whether to let it go or try to course-correct, Yashiki, as the MC, turned the unscripted moment into a joke on the spot. In the past, top-tier MCs were expected to smoothly cover up such accidents, but Yashiki’s approach of openly pointing them out and turning them into humor may represent a new style of MCing.

The MC comedian who will take the reigns next is ……

Who will be the next MC comedian to dominate the industry?

A: Let’s decide who the number one next-generation MC comedian is. I believe it’s Sawabe. He has the most experience as an MC, undeniable talent, and strong support from both staff and fellow performers. There are no weak points.

B: I’d say Kazlaser. When it comes to hosting educational and informational programs, no one can match him.

C: Kazlaser’s talent is unquestionable, but his genre is somewhat limited. I’d go with Hamaie. He’s a comedian who can handle both variety and informational programs with ease.

D: However, Hamaie’s tenure as a personality on ZIP! only lasted a year. Considering that, I’d say Sawabe, who has been hosting Pokapoka for over two years while also handling variety show MC duties, deserves the top spot.

B: He must have broad appeal among housewives and senior audiences—that’s why he was entrusted with Pokapoka in the first place.

C: There aren’t any rumors of him partying at night either. The future may very well belong to Sawabe.

—After a heated discussion among the four panelists, the Top 10 U-45 MC Comedians ranking was finalized, as shown in the chart above. Sawabe and Kazlaser, who have already solidified their positions as popular MCs, lead the list, followed by proven talents like Hamaie, Sosina, and Morita.

Who will step up to fill the massive void left by Nakai and Matsumoto? The battle has begun.

From “FRIDAY”, March 7, 2025 issue.