Ruriko Kojima (小島 瑠璃子, Kojima Ruriko; born December 23, 1993) is a Japanese television personality, gravure idol and…Ruriko Kojima (小島 瑠璃子, Kojima Ruriko; born December 23, 1993) is a Japanese television personality, gravure idol and sportscaster, formerly affiliated with Horipro.
Junpei Mizobata (Japanese: 溝端 淳平, Hepburn: Mizobata Junpei; June 14, 1989) is a Japanese actor, best known as Kudo…Junpei Mizobata (Japanese: 溝端 淳平, Hepburn: Mizobata Junpei; June 14, 1989) is a Japanese actor, best known as Kudo Shinichi in Detective Conan: Kudo Shinichi e no Chousenjou and Saga Kazuma in Hanazakari no Kimitachi e. He also appears in the drama Akai Ito as Atsushi Nishino (or Akkun).
Naomi Watanabe (渡辺 直美, Watanabe Naomi; born 23 October 1987) is a Japanese comedian, actress, and fashion designer. She…Naomi Watanabe (渡辺 直美, Watanabe Naomi; born 23 October 1987) is a Japanese comedian, actress, and fashion designer. She rose to fame in 2008 for her imitation of Beyoncé, after which she was given the title "the Japanese Beyoncé".
A.B.C-Z (エー.ビー.シー-ズィー, ee.bii.shii.zii) is a five-member Japanese boy band under Starto Entertainment. The group's…A.B.C-Z (エー.ビー.シー-ズィー, ee.bii.shii.zii) is a five-member Japanese boy band under Starto Entertainment. The group's former name was A.B.C., which stands for Acrobat Boys Club. It was changed to A.B.C-Z after Ryosuke Hashimoto was moved to the group from J.J.Express in 2008. Due to the Japanese pronunciations of their name, the fans usually refer to them as "Ebi". The group was a former Johnny's Jr. unit. They debuted February 1, 2012, with their DVD Za ABC ~5 Stars~.
Taisuke Fujigaya (藤ヶ谷太輔, Fujigaya Taisuke; born June 25, 1987) is a Japanese singer, actor, and radio personality. He…Taisuke Fujigaya (藤ヶ谷太輔, Fujigaya Taisuke; born June 25, 1987) is a Japanese singer, actor, and radio personality. He is a member of boy band Kis-My-Ft2 under Starto Entertainment. His nicknames are Taipy, Gaya-san, and Gaya. In addition to working as an actor alongside his boy band activities in Kis-My-Ft2, he has been the main host of the TV talk show "A-Studio" with Shōfukutei Tsurube II since 2020. On April 23, 2024, the official Instagram was launched.
Akie Suzuki (鈴木 あきえ, 鈴木 明恵, Suzuki Akie; born 12 March 1987, in Tokyo) is a Japanese tarento, actress, reporter…Akie Suzuki (鈴木 あきえ, 鈴木 明恵, Suzuki Akie; born 12 March 1987, in Tokyo) is a Japanese tarento, actress, reporter, presenter-MC, radio personality, and former gravure idol. She graduated from Yukitani High School. She is represented by Production No Title.
Minami Tanaka (田中 みな実, Tanaka Minami; born 23 November 1986) is a Japanese freelance announcer and tarento who is a…Minami Tanaka (田中 みな実, Tanaka Minami; born 23 November 1986) is a Japanese freelance announcer and tarento who is a former Tokyo Broadcasting System Television announcer. Her spouse is Kazuya Kamenashi, married in 2026.
Kazuya Kamenashi (亀梨 和也, Kamenashi Kazuya; born February 23, 1986) is a Japanese singer, actor, host, producer and…Kazuya Kamenashi (亀梨 和也, Kamenashi Kazuya; born February 23, 1986) is a Japanese singer, actor, host, producer and magazine model. Born and raised in Edogawa, Tokyo. He joined the Japanese talent agency, Johnny & Associates at the age of 12. Former member of KAT-TUN under Starto Entertainment. He was drafted as a member and co-lead vocalist of the popular J-pop group KAT-TUN in 2001. He is also one half of the temporary group, Shūji to Akira, whose only single "Seishun Amigo" became the best-selling single of 2005 in Japan. Individually, he is a popular actor who has played the lead role in several television dramas. Kamenashi announced that he would leave Starto in March 2025, when his contract expired.
Ikusaburo Yamazaki (山崎 育三郎, Yamazaki Ikusaburō; born January 18, 1986, in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actor and singer…Ikusaburo Yamazaki (山崎 育三郎, Yamazaki Ikusaburō; born January 18, 1986, in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actor and singer who is represented by Ken-On.
Shelly (stylized as SHELLY, born 11 May 1984, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a Japanese model, tarento, and…Shelly (stylized as SHELLY, born 11 May 1984, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a Japanese model, tarento, and television presenter. She has American citizenship. She is represented by Stardust Promotion.
Keiichiro Koyama (小山 慶一郎, Koyama Keiichirō; born 1 May 1984) is a Japanese musician and leader of the Starto…Keiichiro Koyama (小山 慶一郎, Koyama Keiichirō; born 1 May 1984) is a Japanese musician and leader of the Starto Entertainment group NEWS.
Chiaki Kyan (喜屋武ちあき, Kyan Chiaki; born March 13, 1984) is a Japanese tarento, master of ceremonies, yoga instructor…Chiaki Kyan (喜屋武ちあき, Kyan Chiaki; born March 13, 1984) is a Japanese tarento, master of ceremonies, yoga instructor, lyricist, and former gravure idol. She is from Saitama. She was a member of Japanese pop music groups Nakano Fujoshi Sisters and Fudanjuku.
Yūichi Nakamaru (中丸雄一, Nakamaru Yuuichi; born on September 4, 1983 in Kita-ku, Tokyo, Japan), is a Japanese…Yūichi Nakamaru (中丸雄一, Nakamaru Yuuichi; born on September 4, 1983 in Kita-ku, Tokyo, Japan), is a Japanese singer-songwriter, actor, television personality and radio host under Starto Entertainment. He joined the talent agency Johnny & Associates in 1998 and then officially debuted as part of KAT-TUN in 2006, group to which he belonged until its disbandment in April 2025. Individually, he has acted in numerous drama serials and is most known as a commentator and host of his own segment on NTV information variety show Sunday Countdown Show Shūichi.
Masaki Aiba (相葉 雅紀, Aiba Masaki) (born December 24, 1982) is a Japanese singer, actor, television personality, radio…Masaki Aiba (相葉 雅紀, Aiba Masaki) (born December 24, 1982) is a Japanese singer, actor, television personality, radio host and dancer under Johnny & Associates, later of Starto Entertainment. He was a member of the boy band Arashi until the end of activities of the group, May 31, 2026. Aiba began his career in the entertainment industry when he joined the Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates in 1996, at the age of 13. Prior to his debut with Arashi in 1999, Aiba started an acting career when he was cast as the lead role of Gordie for the stage play Stand by Me, based on the film of the same name. In 2004, he became one of the co-hosts of the variety show Tensai Shimura Dōbutsuen (天才!志村どうぶつ園, Genius! Shimura Zoo), making him the first member of Arashi to regularly participate in a variety show not primarily hosted by Arashi.
Yukari Fukui (福井 裕佳梨, Fukui Yukari; born October 28, 1982) is a Japanese actress, voice actress and gravure idol known…Yukari Fukui (福井 裕佳梨, Fukui Yukari; born October 28, 1982) is a Japanese actress, voice actress and gravure idol known by the nickname Yukarin (ゆかりん) in Japan.
Shingo Murakami (村上 信五, Murakami Shingo; born January 26, 1982) is a Japanese singer, presenter, variety…Shingo Murakami (村上 信五, Murakami Shingo; born January 26, 1982) is a Japanese singer, presenter, variety tarento,tarento and actor. He is the keyboardist of the Japanese male idol group Super Eight (previously known as Kanjani Eight).
Sho Sakurai (櫻井 翔, Sakurai Shō) (born January 25, 1982) is a Japanese singer, songwriter, rapper, actor, news anchor…Sho Sakurai (櫻井 翔, Sakurai Shō) (born January 25, 1982) is a Japanese singer, songwriter, rapper, actor, news anchor, host and former radio host, under agent contract with Starto Entertainment. He is a former member of the boy band Arashi, group to which he belonged until the day it ended activities, May 31, 2026. Sakurai began his career in the entertainment industry when he joined the Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates in 1995 at the age of 13. About seven years after his debut as a singer with Arashi in 1999, he became a newscaster in 2006, appearing in the news program News Zero every Monday. In 2008, he was appointed the official newscaster for the news coverage of the Olympic Games in Beijing on NTV. For his work as an actor, singer and newscaster, Sakurai became one of the recipients of GQ Japan's Men of the Year award in 2009. His father is Shun Sakurai, former vice-minister of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Ken the 390 (stylized as KEN THE 390; born Takeshi Sakuma on June 17, 1981) is a Japanese rapper, songwriter, and music…Ken the 390 (stylized as KEN THE 390; born Takeshi Sakuma on June 17, 1981) is a Japanese rapper, songwriter, and music director from Machida, Tokyo. He began performing in 1999 and built a reputation through club performances and freestyle MC battles before releasing his first solo album, Prologue, in 2006. He later established the independent label DREAM BOY in 2011. Beyond his solo recording career, KEN THE 390 has worked in television, anime, artist development, and stage productions.
Toshiaki Kasuga (春日 俊彰, Kasuga Toshiaki; born February 9, 1979) is a Japanese comedian best known as the boke half of…Toshiaki Kasuga (春日 俊彰, Kasuga Toshiaki; born February 9, 1979) is a Japanese comedian best known as the boke half of the comedy duo Audrey alongside Masayasu Wakabayashi. On stage, he usually wears a pink vest and white pants. Aside from comedy, he is also known for his participation in sporting events such as kickboxing, bodybuilding, and finswimming. He was also a YouTuber under the name Hideo Furui.
Akira Kawashima (川島 明, Kawashima Akira; born February 3, 1979, in Uji, Kyoto) is a Japanese comedian, tarento and actor…Akira Kawashima (川島 明, Kawashima Akira; born February 3, 1979, in Uji, Kyoto) is a Japanese comedian, tarento and actor who has featured in films, television, and radio. He performs boke and writes all the material in his comedy duo Kirin. His partner is Hiroshi Tamura. Kawashima is represented by Yoshimoto Kogyo and is mainly active in Tokyo and Osaka.
Masayasu Wakabayashi (若林 正恭, Wakabayashi Masayasu; born 20 September 1978, in Chūō, Tokyo) is a Japanese comedian…Masayasu Wakabayashi (若林 正恭, Wakabayashi Masayasu; born 20 September 1978, in Chūō, Tokyo) is a Japanese comedian, television presenter, actor, and author. He performs tsukkomi in the comedy duo Audrey. His partner is Toshiaki Kasuga. He is represented with K Dash Stage. He has a sister who is two years older than him. Wakabayashi and fellow comedian Ryota Yamasato are the main subjects of the 2023 biographical series Passion for Punchlines (だが、情熱はある, Da ga, Jōnetsu ga aru; lit. 'However, The Passion is There') on Nippon TV, in which he was portrayed by Kaito Takahashi of King & Prince.
Kotaro Koizumi (小泉 孝太郎, Koizumi Kōtarō; born July 10, 1978) is a Japanese actor and the eldest son of the 56th Japanese…Kotaro Koizumi (小泉 孝太郎, Koizumi Kōtarō; born July 10, 1978) is a Japanese actor and the eldest son of the 56th Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, and Kayoko Miyamoto, he is the older brother of Japanese Defense Minister Shinjirou Koizumi. Born in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, he studied economics at night classes of Nihon University, but dropped out.
Shōgo Kawashima (川島 省吾, Kawashima Shōgo; born 2 February 1977, in Hanamigawa-ku, Chiba, Chiba), known by the stage name…Shōgo Kawashima (川島 省吾, Kawashima Shōgo; born 2 February 1977, in Hanamigawa-ku, Chiba, Chiba), known by the stage name Gekidan Hitori (劇団ひとり; 'one-person troupe') is a Japanese comedian, lyricist, actor, novelist, and film director. Gekidan is mainly known his improvisational ability and for his style of physical comedy. He is represented with Ohta Production.
Yoshihiko Inohara (Japanese: 井ノ原快彦, Hepburn: Inohara Yoshihiko) (born May 17, 1976) is a Japanese actor, singer and…Yoshihiko Inohara (Japanese: 井ノ原快彦, Hepburn: Inohara Yoshihiko) (born May 17, 1976) is a Japanese actor, singer and host. He is a former member of boy band V6 and a member of 20th Century. His nickname is "Inocchi". Born in Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo and raised in Yashio, Shinagawa, Tokyo. He belongs to Starto Entertainment and formerly served as CMO (Chief marketing officer) until June 27, 2025. His wife is actress Asaka Seto.
Hidetsugu Shibata (柴田 英嗣, Shibata Hidetsugu; born 15 July 1975) is a Japanese comedian. Shibata was born in Shimizu-ku…Hidetsugu Shibata (柴田 英嗣, Shibata Hidetsugu; born 15 July 1975) is a Japanese comedian. Shibata was born in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture. He is a third grader at School JCA, a talent training school for Jinrikisha.
Keisuke Ilmari Ogihara (荻原イルマリ恵介, Ogihara Irumari Keisuke) (born June 17, 1975) is a Japanese rapper and member of the…Keisuke Ilmari Ogihara (荻原イルマリ恵介, Ogihara Irumari Keisuke) (born June 17, 1975) is a Japanese rapper and member of the hip hop group Rip Slyme.
Gamon Kaai (河相 我聞, Kaai Gamon; born May 24, 1975, in Warabi, Saitama, and moved to Ōmiya (now Saitama), Saitama…Gamon Kaai (河相 我聞, Kaai Gamon; born May 24, 1975, in Warabi, Saitama, and moved to Ōmiya (now Saitama), Saitama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actor and tarento represented by Kabushikigaisha Gamon and 365. Kaai's surname is often pronounced as "Kawai."
Dabo (ダボ); born 6 January 1975 is a Japanese hip-hop rapper. He first appeared on the Japanese hip-hop scene in the…Dabo (ダボ); born 6 January 1975 is a Japanese hip-hop rapper. He first appeared on the Japanese hip-hop scene in the 1990s, collaborating in a Shakkazombie song, "Tomo ni ikkou". Since 2002, he has released three albums: Hitman (2002), Diamond (2003), and The Force (2006). Dabo's lyrics are more hard-edged than most J-pop, or Japanese pop, and represent a tough Japanese street culture. He also appears as a playable character in the Japanese version of Def Jam Vendetta.
Taichi Kokubun (国分 太一, Kokubun Taichi; born September 2, 1974) is a Japanese keyboardist and actor. He plays keyboard…Taichi Kokubun (国分 太一, Kokubun Taichi; born September 2, 1974) is a Japanese keyboardist and actor. He plays keyboard for Tokio, a musical group of Starto Entertainment formerly known as Johnny & Associates.
Ryō Fukawa (ふかわりょう, Fukawa Ryō; born August 19, 1974, in Yokohama, Kanagawa), also known as ROCKETMAN, is a Japanese…Ryō Fukawa (ふかわりょう, Fukawa Ryō; born August 19, 1974, in Yokohama, Kanagawa), also known as ROCKETMAN, is a Japanese comedian and musician. He belongs to Watanabe Entertainment. On television he generally takes minor roles and is characterized by his childlike temperament and boyish looks. He is also a member of the owarai group No Plan. Fukawa graduated from the Department of Economics at Keio University. He is cousin to manga artist Tetsuo Hara.
Terumoto Gotō (後藤 輝基, Gotō Terumoto; born June 18, 1974, in Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka) is a Japanese comedian and…Terumoto Gotō (後藤 輝基, Gotō Terumoto; born June 18, 1974, in Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka) is a Japanese comedian and television presenter. He performs tsukkomi in the comedy duo Football Hour with his partner Nozomu Iwao. Gotō is represented by Yoshimoto Kogyo and is mainly active in Tokyo and Osaka.
Hiroiki Ariyoshi (有吉 弘行, Ariyoshi Hiroiki; born 31 May 1974) is a Japanese comedian and singer who is represented by…Hiroiki Ariyoshi (有吉 弘行, Ariyoshi Hiroiki; born 31 May 1974) is a Japanese comedian and singer who is represented by Ohta Production.
Tomonori Jinnai (陣内 智則, Jinnai Tomonori; born 22 February 1974, in Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese actor, tarento…Tomonori Jinnai (陣内 智則, Jinnai Tomonori; born 22 February 1974, in Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese actor, tarento and presenter.
Atsushi Tamura (田村 淳, Tamura Atsushi; born December 4, 1973) is a famous Japanese comedian from the Hikoshima area of…Atsushi Tamura (田村 淳, Tamura Atsushi; born December 4, 1973) is a famous Japanese comedian from the Hikoshima area of Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. He and his partner, Ryo Tamura (田村 亮), form the Japanese comedic duo (お笑いコンビ, owarai kombi) known as "London Boots Ichi-go Ni-go" (ロンドンブーツ1号2号, Rondon Būtsu Ichi-gō Ni-gō). Though the two share the same surname, there is no family relation. The pair started their career by performing comedy on the streets of Tokyo.
Kazutoyo Koyabu (小籔 千豊, Koyabu Kazutoyo; born September 11, 1973 in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka) is a Japanese TV comedian…Kazutoyo Koyabu (小籔 千豊, Koyabu Kazutoyo; born September 11, 1973 in Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka) is a Japanese TV comedian, presenter, tarento, and musician, represented by Yoshimoto Kogyo. He was the chairman of the comedy troupe Yoshimoto Shinkigeki from 2006 to 2022 and drummer for the band Genie High. Koyabu graduated as the 12th generation class from Yoshimoto NSC Osaka and speaks with an Osaka dialect.
Osamu Shitara (設楽 統, Shitara Osamu; born 23 April 1973) is a Japanese comedian, actor, voice actor and television…Osamu Shitara (設楽 統, Shitara Osamu; born 23 April 1973) is a Japanese comedian, actor, voice actor and television presenter. He performs boke (he does not entirely do boke he is known for doing tsukkomi) and tells stories in the comedy duo Bananaman. His partner is Yūki Himura. He is also a former Seibu Railway employee.
Yo Oizumi (大泉 洋, Ōizumi Yō; born April 3, 1973) is a Japanese actor, comedian, television personality and voice actor.…Yo Oizumi (大泉 洋, Ōizumi Yō; born April 3, 1973) is a Japanese actor, comedian, television personality and voice actor. He is a member of the theatrical and musical unit Team Nacs, and is represented by Creative Office Cue. His wife Kumiko Nakajima is a drama producer at Fuji TV. His senior brother Jun Oizumi is 10th public elected Mayor of Hakodate. In 1995, while still in university, Oizumi debuted as an entertainer on the late-night program Mosaic nights aired in Hokkaidō. He first gained popularity on the television series How Do You Like Wednesday?, and has since expanded to various fields of entertainment, such as television dramas, films, voice acting and music.
Sayaka Aoki (青木 さやか or 青木 沙耶加, Aoki Sayaka; born March 27, 1973) is a Japanese entertainer, comedian, and actress from…Sayaka Aoki (青木 さやか or 青木 沙耶加, Aoki Sayaka; born March 27, 1973) is a Japanese entertainer, comedian, and actress from Owariasahi, Aichi Prefecture.
Teruyuki Tsuchida (土田 晃之, Tsuchida Teruyuki; born September 1, 1972 in Nerima, Tokyo and grew up in Omiya, Saitama) is…Teruyuki Tsuchida (土田 晃之, Tsuchida Teruyuki; born September 1, 1972 in Nerima, Tokyo and grew up in Omiya, Saitama) is a Japanese comedian, tarento and TV presenter. His talent agency is Ohta Production. He has been active as a solo comedian since 2001, but started in the entertainment industry in 1992 as a kombi called U-Turn with Morihiro Tsushima, which dissolved in 2001 when Tsushima retired from the industry.
Masahiro Nakai (中居 正広, Nakai Masahiro; born August 18, 1972) is a Japanese former television personality, actor, radio…Masahiro Nakai (中居 正広, Nakai Masahiro; born August 18, 1972) is a Japanese former television personality, actor, radio personality, and singer. He debuted as the leader of the boy band SMAP, which had been the best-selling boy band in Asia. While working as a member of a boy band, he worked extensively as a television presenter, hosting many of his own talk shows, variety shows, music shows, news programs, and several Olympic games as a sportscaster. He is credited for changing the Japanese entertainment industry, becoming the first non-comedian celebrity to have a career as a television host and expanding the capacity of a boy band. He is one of the wealthiest and highest-paid celebrities in Japan, identified as the highest tax payer in the Japanese entertainment industry by the Japanese National Tax Bureau in 2003. In December 2024 reports surfaced in Japanese tabloids that Nakai sexually assaulted a woman in her twenties in June 2023. Despite Nakai issuing an apology the following month, many of his TV and radio programs were suspended, cancelled, or removed Nakai as a presenter following the withdrawal of numerous sponsors. Nakai subsequently announced his retirement on January 23, 2025.
Shōsuke Tanihara (谷原 章介, Tanihara Shōsuke; born July 8, 1972) is a Japanese actor probably best known outside Japan for…Shōsuke Tanihara (谷原 章介, Tanihara Shōsuke; born July 8, 1972) is a Japanese actor probably best known outside Japan for his portrayal of Riki Fudoh in Fudoh: The New Generation and Hajime Kudo in Godzilla vs. Megaguirus. Tanihara hosts Tokyo Twenty-Four Living Supported by FLET'S Hikari, a podcast produced by TOKYO FM. The podcast began airing on January 7, 2006, with a guest appearance by the former Yokohama Bay Stars pitcher Takashi Saitō. He made the announcement at the 8th Best Formalist Award ceremony.
Kendo Kobayashi (ケンドーコバヤシ, Kendō Kobayashi; born 4 July 1972) is a Japanese comedian and actor. His real and former…Kendo Kobayashi (ケンドーコバヤシ, Kendō Kobayashi; born 4 July 1972) is a Japanese comedian and actor. His real and former stage name is Tomoharu Kobayashi (小林 友治, Kobayashi Tomoharu). He is nicknamed Ken Koba (ケンコバ), Koba (コバ), and Mr. Yaritai Hōdai (Mr.やりたい放題, Misutā Yaritai Hōdai). He is represented with Yoshimoto Creative Agency of Yoshimoto Kogyo in Tokyo. He graduated from the Yoshimoto New Star Creation (NSC) in Osaka. Kobayashi graduated from Osaka Municipal Higashitanabe Elementary School, Osaka Municipal Nakano Junior High School, and Hatsushiba Tondabayashi High School. He served as a captain of the rugby club in high school.
Ninety-nine (ナインティナイン, Naintinain), or Nainai (ナイナイ) is a Japanese comic duo from Osaka working for the entertainment…Ninety-nine (ナインティナイン, Naintinain), or Nainai (ナイナイ) is a Japanese comic duo from Osaka working for the entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo. The duo (kombi), consisting of Takashi Okamura as boke (stooge) and Hiroyuki Yabe as tsukkomi (straightman), formed in 1990. The pair met in high school, where they were both involved in the soccer club. Okamura had been receiving guidance from Yabe's brother Yoshiyuki Yabe and throughout their high school life they had a senpai and kōhai relationship. As he was Yoshiyuki's younger brother, his soccer club peers referred to him as "Yabe Juni[or]". Upon graduating from high school, Okamura entered Ritsumeikan University and studied there for one year. Yabe, who was significantly less able academically, was unable to get into any universities and as a result invited Okamura to join Yoshimoto with him as a duo. The pair have stated that one of the reasons that drove them to this decision was their combined admiration for Yabe's brother Yoshiyuki, who had entered Yoshimoto two years before and formed the comedic duo "Channels". However, Yoshiyuki was allegedly opposed to the idea at that time, advising the pair on the harsh realities of a life as an entertainer. Their act is typical of manzai comedy duos, though they are also known for TV segments filmed in locales such as Hong Kong and Italy. Yabe has tended to receive criticism from Japanese fans because his participation in their skits is small and out of proportion compared to the always active and effervescent Okamura, even as a straightman. Okamura and Yabe also famously took the roles of Mario and Luigi (respectively) in the Japanese Hot Mario Bros. advertisement campaign. They have hosted Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, a Japanese comedy show, and they have also hosted a number of television programs in the past. They also hosted a weekly radio program for All Night Nippon on Fridays as a duo, but since 2015 Okamura hosts this program alone.
You the Rock (stylized as YOU THE ROCK★; born Yu Takemae (竹前 裕, Takemae Yū); 5 September 1971, in Nagano, Nagano) is a…You the Rock (stylized as YOU THE ROCK★; born Yu Takemae (竹前 裕, Takemae Yū); 5 September 1971, in Nagano, Nagano) is a Japanese hip-hop musician, MC and tarento. He is nicknamed You-chan (Youちゃん) and Yū-chan Da Aniki YTR (ユウちゃん DA 兄貴 YTR).
Kayoko Okubo (大久保 佳代子, Ōkubo Kayoko; born May 12, 1971, in Tahara, Aichi, Japan) is a Japanese comedian, tarento and…Kayoko Okubo (大久保 佳代子, Ōkubo Kayoko; born May 12, 1971, in Tahara, Aichi, Japan) is a Japanese comedian, tarento and actress who is a member of the comedy duo Oasiz with Yasuko Mitsuura.
Naoki Tanaka (田中 直樹, Tanaka Naoki; born 26 April 1971) is a Japanese comedian, actor and television presenter, who is…Naoki Tanaka (田中 直樹, Tanaka Naoki; born 26 April 1971) is a Japanese comedian, actor and television presenter, who is the leader and the boke of the owarai kombi Cocorico with his partner Shozo Endo. He has appeared in many television programmes and films. He is known for being a regular member of Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!, which he and Endo have worked on since 1997. Tanaka is also known for his love of animals, especially sea creatures, and on 24 June 2018, he became the Marine Stewardship Council ambassador for Japan.
Shinichi Hatori (羽鳥 慎一, Hatori Shin'ichi; born 24 March 1971 in Ageo, Saitama) is a Japanese free announcer, tarento…Shinichi Hatori (羽鳥 慎一, Hatori Shin'ichi; born 24 March 1971 in Ageo, Saitama) is a Japanese free announcer, tarento, and television presenter. He is a former Nippon TV announcer. He is currently represented with Take Off. He is nicknamed Bird (バード, Bādo) by Tatsunori Hara.
Shigeru Joshima (城島 茂, Jōshima Shigeru; born November 17, 1970) is a Japanese musician, actor and agricultural…Shigeru Joshima (城島 茂, Jōshima Shigeru; born November 17, 1970) is a Japanese musician, actor and agricultural entrepreneur. He was the leader and main guitarist of Tokio, a musical group of Starto Entertainment, formerly from Johnny & Associates, until its disbandment in 2025.
Norito Yashima (八嶋 智人, Yashima Norito; born September 27, 1970 in Nara) is a Japanese actor, TV personality, narrator…Norito Yashima (八嶋 智人, Yashima Norito; born September 27, 1970 in Nara) is a Japanese actor, TV personality, narrator, voice actor and presenter. He is currently employed by ComeCome Miniki-Na Theater Company and SIS Company.
Ninety-nine (ナインティナイン, Naintinain), or Nainai (ナイナイ) is a Japanese comic duo from Osaka working for the entertainment…Ninety-nine (ナインティナイン, Naintinain), or Nainai (ナイナイ) is a Japanese comic duo from Osaka working for the entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo. The duo (kombi), consisting of Takashi Okamura as boke (stooge) and Hiroyuki Yabe as tsukkomi (straightman), formed in 1990. The pair met in high school, where they were both involved in the soccer club. Okamura had been receiving guidance from Yabe's brother Yoshiyuki Yabe and throughout their high school life they had a senpai and kōhai relationship. As he was Yoshiyuki's younger brother, his soccer club peers referred to him as "Yabe Juni[or]". Upon graduating from high school, Okamura entered Ritsumeikan University and studied there for one year. Yabe, who was significantly less able academically, was unable to get into any universities and as a result invited Okamura to join Yoshimoto with him as a duo. The pair have stated that one of the reasons that drove them to this decision was their combined admiration for Yabe's brother Yoshiyuki, who had entered Yoshimoto two years before and formed the comedic duo "Channels". However, Yoshiyuki was allegedly opposed to the idea at that time, advising the pair on the harsh realities of a life as an entertainer. Their act is typical of manzai comedy duos, though they are also known for TV segments filmed in locales such as Hong Kong and Italy. Yabe has tended to receive criticism from Japanese fans because his participation in their skits is small and out of proportion compared to the always active and effervescent Okamura, even as a straightman. Okamura and Yabe also famously took the roles of Mario and Luigi (respectively) in the Japanese Hot Mario Bros. advertisement campaign. They have hosted Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, a Japanese comedy show, and they have also hosted a number of television programs in the past. They also hosted a weekly radio program for All Night Nippon on Fridays as a duo, but since 2015 Okamura hosts this program alone.