Three Straight Runner-Up Finishes—and Now They’re Everywhere: How Don Decorte Is Poised for a Breakout

They’re highly regarded as a duo that’s easy to work with

Dondecorate finished as runners-up in “Double Impact 2026” (Nippon TV), the competition to determine Japan’s No. 1 performer in both manzai and sketch comedy, which aired on July 20. Ginji Watanabe (41), the duo’s boke, has now finished as runner-up in three consecutive competitions: “R-1 Grand Prix” (Fuji TV), in which he competed as a solo performer; “M-1 Grand Prix” (TV Asahi), which gave the duo their breakthrough; and “Double Impact.”

“Even before ‘M-1,’ comedians and people involved in comedy programs were saying, ‘They’re definitely going to make it big!’ Ginji’s presence is so strong that Kobashi Kyosaku (37), the tsukkomi, tends to get overshadowed, but he also has some great stories, such as the fact that his family once ran a famous erotic-book store in Okinawa. They’re highly regarded as a duo that’s easy to work with.” (Production company director)

Ginji is also in high demand for commercials and dramas. McDonald’s web commercial “Mou Ichido Dabuchi-hen,” released in April, surpassed 30 million views within four days of its release. He has also been cast in “Drum – VIVANT THE ORIGIN STORY –” (U-NEXT), a spinoff of “VIVANT” (TBS), which began airing in July.

“It’s well known that Ginji is staying at part of Kohei Masuda (40) of Kageyama’s family home, but it seems that his wide range of hobbies, which he shows on Masuda’s YouTube channel ‘Soreike Masumaso,’ has really struck a chord with creators. Haru Kuroki (36) and Kayo Noro (42) also revealed that they had been talking excitedly about Ginji while on the set of the drama ‘Ginga no Ippyo’ (Fuji TV). He’s increasingly making his presence felt across various fields, and some staff members say, ‘All we can smell is money.’” (Advertising agency executive)

The ones who ended up losing out were Takuro, who defeated Dondecorate to win “M-1.”

“Immediately after their victory, Hiroshi Akagi (34), the boke, took a short break due to health problems. During that time, Dondecorate benefited from the ‘M-1’ boom, including the surge in event appearances and promotional bookings. That said, if you push yourself too hard and burn out, there’s no point, and Takuro clearly has the talent, so they just need to make a comeback from here. Both duos are represented by Yoshimoto Kogyo, so they can also be sold as a package.” (TV writer)

The aforementioned advertising agency executive points out, “The thing they really need to watch out for is women-related scandals.”

“Quite a few fans of the same generation identify with Ginji’s catchphrase, ‘40 years old, single. According to the standards set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, I’m in the impoverished class.’ Companies hire Ginji for commercials precisely because, despite having little money, he enjoys cooking for himself and lives a careful, wholesome life. Even if it doesn’t go as far as an affair, simply being photographed drinking with flashy women of the Minato Ward-girl type could damage his image.”

Perhaps aware of this, Ginji openly declares, “I like gal-type girls,” seemingly taking precautions to prevent his likability from becoming too high.

The aforementioned TV writer gives his seal of approval, saying, “All that’s left is for them to land a regular radio show or their own TV program early on, and then they’ll be perfect.”

“Audrey initially attracted attention through Toshiki Kasuga’s (47) eccentric character, but once Masayuki Wakabayashi’s (47) talent became known to the public through radio, they broke out in a big way.”

Now, before they are consumed as merely the comedians of the moment, is their time to make their move.

From the August 21–28, 2026 combined issue of “FRIDAY.”