M‑1 Champion Takuro Akagi Opens Up About Past Struggles and Gaming Addiction

Takuro Akagi, the 2025 M‑1 Grand Prix champion, appeared on the TV program "Shikkujiri Sensei" and discussed his years of setbacks before winning the title. He recounted how, despite early semi‑final appearances, he and partner Kenta Kimura faced repeated early‑round exits and even a period in 2020 when TV work vanished. Akagi admitted that during long writing sessions he often turned to a smartphone game, eventually ranking second nationally, which he claimed hindered his creative process. He described growing frustration with his partner and a feeling of burnout that led him to consider stepping away from comedy altogether before the eventual breakthrough in 2025.

The interview highlighted Akagi’s candid reflections on the pressures of the comedy circuit, his habit of playing mobile games for hours, and the emotional toll that nearly brought him to retirement.