King of Conte 2025 Finals: Judges Revealed and Finalists Named
The countdown is on for King of Conte 2025, Japan’s premier stand-up competition. The finale is set to air on Saturday, October 11, as a three-and-a-half-hour live broadcast on the TBS network. With Downtown’s Hamada returning as MC, fans can expect another high-energy night of rapid-fire sketches, clever callbacks, and bold new voices in Japanese comedy.
Judges Returning for the 2025 Final
The judging panel for this year’s final features a mix of established stage veterans and beloved comedy voices. Returning judges include:
- Iizuka from Tokyo 03
- Eiji Kotoge from Bakingu (“Biking”)
- Akiyama from Robert
- Yamauchi from Kamaitachi
- Jiro from Shisonnu
These five judges join a long-running tradition of bringing sharp scrutiny, warmth, and a deep understanding of live performance to the finals. Their role is to weigh timing, premise, originality, and audience reaction as the ten finalists push for one of the most coveted titles in Japanese comedy.
The Ten Finalists
Among the competitors who advanced to the final round are a dynamic mix of established acts and rising stars. The ten finalists are:
- Ao-iro 1-go
- Ultra Boogies
- Ganso Ichigo-chan
- Shizuru
- Tom Brown
- Fire Thunder
- Ya-dan
- Long Coat Daddy
- Rainbow
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Each act brings a distinct flavor, from sharp one-liners and character-based humor to rapid-fire sketches. The field promises a blend of veteran chemistry and fresh energy that could shape the trajectory of Japanese comedy in the year ahead.
Live Final Details: Host, Opening Song, and Broadcast Time
As in previous years, the finale will be hosted by the iconic Downtown figure Hamada, who guides the live broadcast with his seasoned pacing and crowd-work. In a notable recurring element,梅田サイファー (Umeda Cipher) will perform the opening song for the fourth consecutive year, kicking off the show with a high-energy, crowd-pleasing track that sets the tone for the night.
The live broadcast is scheduled for October 11, 2025 (Saturday) from 18:30 to 21:56 on the TBS network. The three-and-a-half-hour format provides time for the finalists to stretch their material, a series of judging moments to land, and a few surprises that fans have come to expect from the King of Conte stage.
What This Final Means for Fans and Comedians
King of Conte has long been a launching pad for memorable careers in Japanese comedy. The 2025 finale is especially significant as it consolidates a diverse roster of acts capable of crossing from the live stage to broader national exposure. For the finalists, a win means more than bragging rights; it can open doors to television appearances, tour opportunities, and collaborations with other top comedians. Viewers should anticipate a night of clever writing, bold performances, and moments that could become viral milestones in the year ahead.
Looking Ahead
With the judges returning for a second consecutive year, a strong field of ten finalists, and a prime-time live broadcast on TBS, the King of Conte 2025 final is shaping up to be a milestone event in 2025’s comedy calendar. Fans should tune in on October 11 to witness the crowning of this year’s King of Conte and to celebrate the evolving landscape of Japanese stand-up artistry.
