“M-1 Grand Prix” is a manzai comedy contest for young comedians who have been performing together for 15 years or less. Established in 2001, it will be held for the 21st time this year, 2025, after a four-year hiatus. Both professional and amateur comedians can enter. This year saw a record-breaking entry of over 11,000 pairs. I hear a college duo from the rakugo research club I know also gave it a shot.
“M-1 Grand Prix” is trademarked in standard characters (Registration No. 5757035). The trademark owners are Asahi Broadcasting Corporation and Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd.
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/TR/JP-2014-100187/40/en
Searching patent documents containing “manzai” in the specification reveals that Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-128994 discloses an invention for an idea intermediation system and method. This system mediates the provision of ideas, including manzai routines and original rakugo stories. This invention is a system and method for linking user requests for ideas with existing information stored in a memory unit on a network-connected management server. This invention enables idea support by effectively utilizing existing information.
I believe the humor in comedy routines comes not only from the material itself but also heavily from the performers’ skill. This year’s M-1 Grand Prix finals are scheduled for Sunday, December 21st. I look forward to enjoying the routines and performance skills of the duo who made it through from over 10,000 entries. (Conan)
(Reference site)
M-1 Grand Prix Official Website