TOKYO MX (Tokyo Metropolitan Television Broadcasting Corporation) presents the second edition of its comedy competition, 'MX Grand Prix 2026 ~The Unorthodox Comedian Showdown~'. The semifinal [Block B], leading up to the live final on September 6, 2026, will air on August 2 (Sunday) from 19:00 to 20:00.

The regular MC, Kenjiro Tokunaga, was scheduled to host but had to withdraw due to health issues. In a surprise move, head judge Harwood ZaKoshii will take over as substitute MC. AKB48 member Oguri Uta, who frequently co-hosts with Kukki! and ZaKoshii on radio, will serve as assistant. Expect an unpredictable and thrilling showdown!

The judging panel for Semifinal [Block B] has been confirmed. Returning from Block A are Fujimoto Toshiro (FUJIWARA) and Kukki! (Yasei Bakudan). Also joining are Iguchi Hiroyuki (Westland), who made his judging debut last year, and Shuhei Tamashiro (Two Live), who received the offer just the day before recording—making both his first appearance and first judging role on the show. With the champion of 'THE SECOND' now on the panel, these seasoned comedians will deliver intense, no-holds-barred evaluations of the rule-breaking performers. Expect drama and surprises!

This is TOKYO MX's ultimate comedy contest, driven by its slogan 'To the very end! Maniatsu 9.' Witness the birth of a one-of-a-kind comedic supernova!

Post-recording comment from assistant Oguri Uta (AKB48):

"It was shocking. I see Kukki! and Master ZaKoshii every week on the radio, and I always thought they were the ultimate 'rule-breakers.' But then even more extreme comedians showed up—so extreme that I realized, 'Wait, those two are actually normal!' (laughs).

There were so many wild, never-before-seen performers. I really wanted to cheer for them. The courage it takes to stay calm and deliver your act under pressure was incredible. I found it truly admirable."

◆ Program Overview

*Broadcast times and content are subject to change due to programming adjustments. Please understand.

[Title] Nomu Silica presents MX Grand Prix 2026 ~The Unorthodox Comedian Showdown~

[Broadcast Schedule] Semifinal [Block B]: August 2 (Sun) 19:00–20:00 <TOKYO MX1>

Final: September 6 (Sun), live broadcast <TOKYO MX1>

[Streaming] Simulcast on R Channel

Catch-up on TVer: https://tver.jp/series/srw93aa8ej

Full episodes available on U-NEXT:

https://video-share.unext.jp/video/title/SID0191187

[Cast] <MC for Semifinal [Block B]> Harwood ZaKoshii

<Assistant for Semifinal [Block B]> Oguri Uta (AKB48)

<Judges for Semifinal [Block B]> Fujimoto Toshiro (FUJIWARA), Kukki! (Yasei Bakudan),

Shuhei Tamashiro (Two Live), Hiroyuki Iguchi (Westland)

[Official Site] https://s.mxtv.jp/variety/mxgp/

[Program X (Twitter)] https://x.com/MXGPITAN

[Promo Video] https://youtu.be/7824_AVHf9o

[Special Sponsor] Qvou Inc. "Nomu Silica"

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event