Reiwa Roman Makes History with Back-to-Back M-1 Grand Prix Wins
The 2024 M-1 Grand Prix, Japan’s premier comedy competition, concluded with a stunning victory for Reiwa Roman, marking the first back-to-back win for a comedy duo since the Nakagawa family’s triumph in the inaugural tournament. The win sent shockwaves through the Japanese comedy world and captivated viewers nationwide.
Adding to the drama, the drawing of the all-important top-billing act was handled by Olympic judo gold medalist Hifumi Abe.His selection of Reiwa Roman as the opening act was met with gasps and cheers from the audience and judges alike. Judge Nobuyuki Hanawa of the comedy duo “Knights,” recounting the event on his radio show, remarked, “Hifumi Abe was amazing. The goosebumps in the audience were amazing when the gold medalist, who had won two consecutive championships, pretended to say, ‘I want to see Reiwa Roman win back-to-back,’ and suddenly started talking about Reiwa Roman. Then the audience went crazy.”
Hanawa’s comments highlight the electrifying atmosphere surrounding Reiwa Roman’s performance. The duo’s ability to maintain their comedic edge and secure high scores despite the pressure of being the top-billed act was a testament to their skill and stage presence.Hanawa further praised the duo’s leader, Kuruma, noting, “Kuruma has a certain kind of dominating power, right? I feel instantly refreshed….”
Reiwa Roman’s consecutive victories not only solidify their place in japanese comedy history but also underscore the evolving dynamics of the M-1 Grand Prix. The competition continues to attract top comedic talent and generate notable national interest, mirroring the popularity of stand-up and sketch comedy competitions in the United States.
The M-1 Grand Prix’s impact extends beyond entertainment, reflecting broader cultural trends and showcasing the enduring appeal of comedy as a form of social commentary and artistic expression.The competition’s success highlights the global reach of comedic talent and the universal appreciation for humor.
Reiwa Roman won the M-1 Grand Prix in 2024, marking the first time since the inaugural tournament that a comedy duo won back-to-back championships[[[[1].
They where also the champions in 2023[[[[3].