Nakata Button, veteran manzai comedian, dies at 78

Nakata Button, a prominent manzai comedian best known as one half of the duo Nakata Kaus Button, has passed away at the age of 78. According to reports released on September 19, 2026, he died following a battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Button, born in 1948, formed his successful comedy duo with Nakata Kaus in 1967, winning the Kamigata Manzai Award three times. After ending his management contract with Yoshimoto Kogyo in 2023, he publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis in 2024.

Throughout his illness, Button was noted for maintaining a sense of humor. He frequently appeared on YouTube to provide updates on his condition, even making jokes about the appearance of his cancer cells and his outlook on mortality. His funeral and memorial services have already been held.