ABEMA PPV to Exclusively Live Stream the Semifinals of the 47th ABC Comedy Grand Prix 2026 on June 16, Featuring a Gateway for Young Comedians Once Conquered by Chidori, Kamaitachi, and Shimofuri Myojo

ABEMA, the "new future of television," has decided to exclusively live stream the semifinals of the 47th ABC Comedy Grand Prix 2026 on ABEMA PPV starting at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Tickets for this broadcast will go on sale from 8:15 PM on Monday, June 8.

The ABC Comedy Grand Prix is an annual contest broadcast by Asahi Broadcasting Television, serving as a gateway for young comedians. Originating from the ABC Manzai & Rakugo Newcomer Contest established in 1980, it was renamed the ABC Comedy Newcomer Grand Prix in 1989 and has been held under its current name, the ABC Comedy Grand Prix, since 2012. Past winners and participants include legends who now lead the comedy world, such as Downtown, Ninety-nine, Nakagawa-ke, Masuda Okada, Football Hour, Chidori, Kamaitachi, and Shimofuri Myojo. The tournament is noted for its remarkable "foresight," with many past finalists later becoming finalists or champions in M-1 Grand Prix or King of Conte. Because it is a "mixed-style comedy battle" where manzai, skits, and solo acts all compete, surviving here proves one is "the funniest comedian right now."

This year, marking the 47th edition, 583 young comedy acts from across the country have entered, an increase of 41 from last year. The semifinals will feature last year's M-1 Grand Prix finalists Yoneda 2000 and Mezon, as well as Mame Teppo, Shouga Neko, and Zero Kalan, who made an impression in the losers' bracket. Additionally, skilled comedians active in other award races, such as Kuuzen Meteo and Gurouya (winners of the ytv Manzai Newcomer Award) and Tatoeba Honoo (winner of the NHK Kamigata Manzai Contest), are also participating. Furthermore, rising stars like Dow 90000, Kotake Seigikan (for whom this is his final year), Ichigo (recently crowned the first champion of ONE CHANCE 2026), and Kingyo Bancho (a past finalist of this tournament) are all set to compete, promising a high-level battle of talent this year as well.

On this occasion, ABEMA PPV will broadcast live the semifinals, where these 40 young comedy acts will gather at ABC Hall and clash for a spot in the finals.

This broadcast will be available on ABEMA PPV. Ticket sales begin at 8:15 PM on Monday, June 8 (*1), and the program can be viewed for 2,000 yen (tax included) (*2). Please look forward to the passionate performances of the next-generation comedians vying for a place in the finals.

(*1) Tickets can be purchased within the app or via a web browser (credit card only). For details on how to purchase, please check the page below. (https://help.abema.tv/hc/ja/articles/18800916121497)

(*2) ABEMA PPV content can be viewed after purchasing a ticket within the app or via a web browser. Purchases within the app incur an additional fee of 200 yen. Also, tickets cannot be purchased on some TV devices or tablets. (How to watch on TV devices: https://help.abema.tv/hc/ja/articles/360045088511)

ABEMA PPV 47th ABC Comedy Grand Prix 2026 Semifinals Live Broadcast Overview

▼ Performers (in entry order)

Haikyo, Haru to Hikouki, Furantsu, Satonaka Hogaraka, Sekitei, Ringo Gorira, Sentinel, Okayama, Mujinzou, Barrows, France Piano, O Miruku, Utada, Gyobu, Higanbana, Sister, Mermaid, Shouga Neko, Gurou, Tatoeba Honoo, Yuji Kiyokawa, San Yuukan, Shika no Shinpu, Kuuzen Meteo, Kingyo Bancho, Somao Meatball, Mezon, Egui Hayasa, Tada Naranu Katana, Pe, Zero Kalan, Ichigo, Komainu, Yoneda 2000, Gyoneko, Mame Teppo, Kotake Seigikan, Edogawa Junk Junk, Tomoda Ore, Dow 90000

*Performers are subject to change without notice. Please understand in advance.

Broadcast Date & Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, starting at 12:00 PM

Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/live-event/e2f8aeea-068c-431e-9dce-d9976864b31f

Catch-up Streaming Period: Until 11:59 PM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026

*This broadcast supports catch-up streaming and time-shift playback.

Viewing Fee: 2,000 yen (tax included)

*Includes a 200 yen fee for app purchases.

Sales Period: From 8:15 PM on Monday, June 8, 2026, to 7:59 PM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026

▼ Cashback Campaign

Get 400 yen cashback by subscribing to ABEMA Premium during the campaign period, purchasing the target PPV ticket, and meeting the conditions! For details, please check the campaign page.

(URL: https://abema.tv/lp/cashback-abcowarai-20260616)

*Please note that "ABEMA Premium with Ads" is not a condition for participating in the campaign.

About ABEMA

ABEMA is a video distribution service that celebrated its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026, operating as the "new future of television" aiming for TV innovation. Since its launch, as an internet TV service that requires no registration and is basically free, it broadcasts approximately 25 channels across diverse genres, including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas pursuing "highest quality or uniqueness," love reality shows, variety shows, anime, and sports, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

In addition to having the number one number of original episodes among domestic video services in Japan (*), it offers a rich lineup of notable new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, and trending anime, as well as sports broadcasts and online live events. Viewers can enjoy content anytime, free from time constraints, on TV or on-demand, and across smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices, providing a viewing experience unbound by location while catering to diverse lifestyles.

Furthermore, the "ABEMA Premium" plan (1,180 yen/month including tax) offers exclusive features and content, while the "ABEMA Premium with Ads" plan (680 yen/month including tax) allows viewing of ABEMA Premium-exclusive content with advertisements.

(*) As of March 2026, according to internal research.

For the latest information, please check the official social media accounts.

Enjoy free videos and trending works on the new future of television, "ABEMA" (https://abema.tv/)

To commemorate its 10th anniversary, ABEMA will run various campaigns throughout the year, including special programs and the "ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Grand Thanksgiving Festival." Please look forward to ABEMA's 10th anniversary.

ABEMA 10th Anniversary Site URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/

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