The King of Conte 2024 competition just wrapped up, and while the performances were nothing short of spectacular, the buzz this year was all about one major absence: Matsumoto Hitoshi. The comedy legend, known for his sharp judging style, took a break from his duties in early 2024, leaving a significant gap at the judging table. So, how did the competition unfold without him?
A New Face at the Head of the Table
In Matsumoto’s absence, the pressure was on for the other judges to step up, and this year saw a reshuffling of responsibilities. The biggest change? Goro Iizuka from Tokyo 03 took over the head judge role, a position typically held by Matsumoto. Meanwhile, Jirou from Sissonne joined the panel for the first time, bringing a fresh perspective to the competition.
Iizuka’s presence was immediately felt. He acknowledged his nerves at the start of the show, mentioning how strange it was to sit in Matsumoto’s usual seat on the far right of the panel. But once the competition got going, Iizuka’s judging style began to shine through, with social media lighting up about his approach.
The Performances and Scores That Turned Heads
The competition was fierce this year, with Fire Thunder taking the lead in the first stage with an impressive 98 points, a score heavily influenced by Iizuka’s high praise. However, Iizuka’s scoring wasn’t just about handing out top marks—his approach stood out for its clear distinctions between acts. While other judges like Jirou and Yamauchi Kenji clustered their scores, Iizuka made a point to create separation, giving his top three acts distinct scores.
This kind of decisive judging left a strong impression, with Iizuka giving Fire Thunder his highest score, followed by City Hotel Room 3 and Long Coat Daddy. This clear ranking made his preferences known and added a new layer of strategy to the competition, where even a single point could make or break a contestant’s chances.
“Personal Preference” Becomes a Trending Topic
One of the most talked-about moments of the night came during the performance by Nippon no Shachou. Known for their outrageous, slapstick style, the group used props that broke on stage as part of their act. While some judges found the routine hilarious, Iizuka wasn’t as impressed. He commented that while the joke worked, he would have preferred if the set didn’t break, signaling his personal taste for a more streamlined performance.
This moment sparked a wave of discussion online, with the phrase “審査員の好み” (judge’s personal preference) trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans debated whether comedy should be judged based on technical skill or individual taste, with many pointing out that subjective preferences are unavoidable in any contest.
Why This Year’s King of Conte is Making Waves
- Matsumoto Hitoshi’s Absence: Matsumoto’s break from the competition left many wondering how his absence would affect the judging dynamic. His absence created a power vacuum, which Iizuka filled in his own unique way.
- Fresh Judging Styles: Iizuka’s bold scoring decisions, particularly his willingness to create clear rankings, contrasted with the more cautious approach of other judges. This added new excitement to the competition, especially as many performances were separated by just a few points.
- Online Debate: The discussion around “personal preference” brought new life to the debate about how comedy should be judged. The judges’ different tastes became a major talking point, with fans weighing in on whether the judges’ personal styles helped or hindered the competition.
The Final Results
In the end, Fire Thunder narrowly took the top spot, but the competition was tight. Long Coat Daddy and Love Letters followed closely, with only a single point difference separating the top three acts. Iizuka’s influence on the competition was clear, as his scores played a major role in shaping the final rankings.
The Takeaway
The King of Conte 2024 was a reminder that even in the world of comedy, subjectivity plays a huge role. With Matsumoto Hitoshi out of the picture, a new dynamic emerged, with Goro Iizuka bringing his own style and preferences to the judging table. As fans continue to discuss the impact of “personal preference” on social media, one thing is certain: this year’s competition was one for the history books.
