The Japanese comedy program “Arabiki Dan” is returning for a mid-summer special broadcast, marking the first time the show has aired in approximately two years. The special will feature a selection of performances from the 2022 broadcast, and the 2022 broadcast is available for streaming on platforms including TVer, according to reports from Natalie and other Japanese news outlets.
The program focuses on discovering “unpolished” comedy talent, providing a platform for performers who do not fit the mold of traditional high-stakes comedy competitions. The 2022 revival saw a massive influx of interest, with 1,069 groups submitting a total of 2,512 comedy routines to compete for the title of the strongest performer, according to data reported by the Mainichi Shimbun and Yahoo! News Japan.
This special broadcast serves as a look at the efforts to find "Arabiki stars," emphasizing a style of humor that differs from the polished acts typically seen in major award-winning comedy circuits.
Who are the judges and what is the “Arabiki” style?
The show utilizes a specific seating arrangement where judges are positioned as "Right" and "Left." For the 2022 revival, Higashino occupied the "Right" seat, while Fujii took the "Left" position. News Japan, Higashino maintained a modest tone regarding the quality of the acts, telling viewers to watch "without expectations."
In contrast, Fujii expressed a view of the talent pool, stating that the show is “not over yet.” This dynamic between the judges reflects the show’s philosophy: celebrating the raw energy of performers who would not typically be encountered in standard comedy prize races, according to d-menu News.
How many performers applied for the 2022 revival?
The scale of the 2022 return was significant, drawing a high volume of submissions from aspiring comedians across Japan. According to the Mainichi Shimbun, the production received applications from 1,069 different groups. These applicants submitted a total of 2,512 individual routines, creating a vast pool of material for the judges to evaluate.
This volume of entries highlights the appeal of the “Arabiki” brand. By casting a wide net, the show aims to identify performers who possess a unique charisma or a “wild” comedic style that might be filtered out by the stricter criteria of mainstream comedy competitions.
Where can viewers watch the mid-summer special?
The upcoming mid-summer special will be broadcast as a television event and will subsequently be made available via digital distribution. According to Natalie, the episodes from the 2022 broadcast will be streamed on TVer, a popular Japanese catch-up television service.
While many modern shows focus on established celebrities, this program remains dedicated to the periphery of the comedy world, searching for the next unconventional star.
Official updates regarding specific broadcast dates and further streaming schedules are expected to be released via the network’s official announcements and the TVer platform. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the revival of unpolished comedy in the comments section below.