Yoshimoto Shinkigeki – literally ‘new comedy’ – is an ironic name for something that’s been around for 60 years. It’s theatre comedy, with wordplay, OTT slapstick, and ‘slice of life’ stories that get too real.
Sawako no Asa (Sawako's Morning) is a witty talk show hosted by Sawako Agawa – a brilliant conversationalist who talks about a variety of topics with a multitude of celebrities.
26-year-old Yano Shohei (Shirahama Alan) is an AP (assistant producer) working at a TV station. He's not so good at his job, but his snowboarding skills are outstanding. He falls in love at first sight with a mysterious beauty, Hirose Yuki (Yamamoto Mizuki), whom he meets at the bar "Romance". However, he is shy and cannot confess his feelings. With the help of Aitaro (Kukki!), Shohei gets through to the owner, Furui Kami (Hirose Kohmi), also known as the "God of Romance", on the phone. Following her advice, Shohei asks Yuki out on a date. The two decide to go to a ski slope that Yuki had in her guidebook, but what awaits them there is not a romantic romance, but a dizzying romance over food...!!
Mito Kōmon is a Japanese jidaigeki or period drama that has been on prime-time television since 1969. The title character is the historic Tokugawa Mitsukuni, former vice-shogun and retired second daimyo of the Mito Domain. In the guise of Mitsuemon, a retired crêpe merchant from Echigo, he roams the realm with two samurai retainers, fun-loving Sasaki Sukesaburō and studious Atsumi Kakunoshin. Episodes typically conclude with a brawl in which the unarmed, disguised protagonists better a crowd of samurai and gangsters, culminating with the presentation of the inrō that reveals the hero's identity.
The show features young performers of Yoshimoto Shinkigeki presenting various skits and challenges to Kazutoyo Koyabu, who critiques their performances. The show aims to develop these performers’ skills for broader entertainment roles.
An annual comedy festival broadcast on New Year's Eve, featuring over 30 acts from rising stars to seasoned veterans. It highlights the essence of traditional Kamigata-style comedy, offering a delightful mix of humor and wit.