# King of Conte 2026 comedy competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/king-of-conte-2026-comedy-competition
> Updated: 2026-10-17T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

The 19th annual ‘King of Conte 2026’ comedy competition concluded its finals on October 17. A total of eleven acts competed for the championship, consisting of the ten original finalists and one group that advanced via the inaugural ‘loser’s resurrection match’ wild card round.

Kaerutei secured second place with 661 points, earning high marks for a performance featuring a man and woman in confinement. Judges Kenji Yamauchi of Kamaitachi and Ryuji Akiyama of Robert provided feedback, with Akiyama describing the duo’s characters as ‘extremely funny.’

Other notable performances included the eight-member unit Dow 90000. Although they were eliminated, Akiyama praised the group for their ‘highly calculated and efficient comedic timing.’ The competition featured a diverse lineup of returning acts, including Nippon no Shacho, Yadan, and Gelardon.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: King of Conte 2026: Finalists compete for comedy championship

The 19th King of Conte finals featured eleven acts competing for the top comedy title in Japan, with Kaerutei securing second place.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-of-conte-2026-comedy-finals-to-feature-historic-resurrection-match

### 2026-09-23: King of Conte 2026 to feature first-ever repechage round

The King of Conte 2026 comedy competition will introduce its first-ever repechage round on October 17, featuring 10 groups competing for a final spot via comedian judging and public voting.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-of-conte-2026-to-feature-first-ever-repechage-round

### 2026-09-10: King of Conte 2026 finalists announced

Ten comedy duos, including Nippon no Shacho and Nanamagari, have been named finalists for the ‘King of Conte 2026’ competition, aiming for the top prize in the upcoming TBS broadcast.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-of-conte-2026-finalists-announced

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Cite as: King of Conte 2026 comedy competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/king-of-conte-2026-comedy-competition