Thoughts on the big title that was just missed
"THE SECOND ~ Manzai Tournament ~ 2025" (Fuji TV) is a competition for manzai comedy duos with more than 16 years of history. Experienced comedians showcase their honed material, and one duo that epitomizes this competition is Igo Shogi, who have been together for 22 years. Unfortunately, they lost to Two Tribe in the finals and missed out on the championship.
"In the studio, I thought that Twot would win, so when he lost, I thought, 'I knew it.' But when I watched it again on TVer, I realized that he was actually quite close, so I shouldn't have watched it (laughs). It's frustrating, but I'm glad the tournament was exciting. It's not the same as it was five years ago when he was so sharp." (Fumita)
Overcoming the threat of disbandment and moving on to the next stage
Taichi Netake
During the live performance of "THE SECOND," you said, "I'll be appearing again next year!" I knew you'd be appearing, but that was a bit premature.
Daisuke Fumita
It may sound strange, but it's a tournament that could be canceled at any time, so I thought that if I performed there, it might be one of the catalysts that will lead to next year.
Netake
Recently, I ended my radio show ("Go and Shogi Passion Three-Point" broadcast on GERA) which I had been doing for five years.
Bunta
Looking back, I've said things on radio that could have caused a stir at any time, but I've never had one. That's simply because there aren't many people listening. Even with live streaming, the number of listeners is limited. I felt like a frog in a well, so I decided to stop for a while. I'm grateful to the staff for being so willing and kind, but if this were terrestrial radio, I think there's a chance I could reach my ceiling.
Netake
Well, I haven't decided what my next radio show will be.
Bunta
They almost broke up once five years ago.
Netake
It was after the last year of M-1 and I said, "I want to quit being a comedian."
Bunta
At that time, we decided to disband, and mentally, I had quit being a comedian, so I felt a lot more at ease. Until then, I was so tense, thinking that we absolutely had to be popular, and that a manzai comedian should be like this, but all that impatience and sharpness disappeared. With the COVID-19 pandemic, live streaming became popular, and "THE SECOND" also started. Back then, I couldn't have imagined being able to perform three skits in prime time.
Netake
I'm a Giants fan, so I would have no regrets if I could throw the first pitch at Tokyo Dome.
Bunta
If the first pitch is decided, he'll definitely throw it.
