Idols Break Barriers in Hilarious “Oogiri” Battle: A Star-Studded Comedy Showdown Unfolds!

A New Era of Idol Entertainment: Comedy Meets Performance in Tokyo
The Battle of Wits: From Blocks to the Grand Finale
From Laughter to Lights: A Live Performance Extravaganza
Looking Ahead: Laugh x Laugh’s 3rd Anniversary and Beyond

A New Era of Idol Entertainment: Comedy Meets Performance in Tokyo

On February 12, 2026, Tokyo’s Hulic Hall vibrated with excitement as “Laugh x Laugh presents Idol Tenkaichi Oogiri Budokai ~Round3~” brought together a unique blend of idol charm and quick-witted comedy. This event, born from a popular YouTube segment of the 8-member idol group Laugh x Laugh, produced by TV producer Nobuyuki Sakuma, marked its third iteration by introducing an innovative format: a cross-group, pair-based “Oogiri” (comedy improv) battle. Idols from Laugh x Laugh, #BABABABAMBI, and Satellite to Karatea transcended their group affiliations, forming mixed pairs to compete in a spirited contest, much like a martial arts tournament (Budokai) of humor. Over 600 eager fans witnessed the spectacle, a testament to the growing appeal of idols showcasing diverse talents beyond singing and dancing.

The event kicked off with an energetic live medley featuring the three participating idol groups, setting a vibrant tone. The hosts for the evening were Takeru of Tokyo Hoteison, affectionately known as Laugh x Laugh’s “official older brother.” Judging the idols’ comedic prowess were a panel of “Oogiri” professionals familiar from YouTube: producer Sakuma, Shogo of Tokyo Hoteison, Akamine Souri, and broadcast writer Genji Ueda, who offered sharp critiques and insightful evaluations.

The Battle of Wits: From Blocks to the Grand Finale

The competition unfolded in a thrilling tournament style. Eight pre-determined mixed pairs (including one trio) were divided into A and B blocks, each battling through initial rounds. The intensity escalated in the semi-finals, where the top two pairs from each block, totaling four teams, engaged in a fierce exchange of jokes and punchlines. The grand finale saw the two victorious pairs go head-to-head, vying for the championship title.

After more than an hour of white-hot comedic sparring, the triumphant pair emerged: Funa Sasaki (Laugh x Laugh) and Usa (#BABABABAMBI). Their exceptional wit and teamwork earned them the top prize – a JPY 30,000 gift certificate for the renowned Yakiniku restaurant, Jojoen, presented by producer Sakuma himself. Furthermore, the “Meiji Award” for the pair that left the most significant impression, selected by Akamine Souri, went to Suzukaze Natsume (Laugh x Laugh) and Shizuku Hasumi (Satellite to Karatea), who received a lavish golden box filled with a “Meiji sweets assortment set.” The palpable excitement in the venue was a clear indicator of the audience’s enjoyment, as one fan noted, “It’s incredible how quickly they come up with such clever responses! Their talent goes far beyond just singing.”

From Laughter to Lights: A Live Performance Extravaganza

Following the uproarious “Oogiri” battle, the idols transitioned back to their core identity, delivering powerful live performances. Each group showcased their unique stage presence, transforming the atmosphere from a comedy arena to a vibrant concert hall. The collective energy of the idols and their dedicated fans created a unified, electrifying experience, bringing the event to a spectacular close.

The setlist for the live blocks included:

#BABABABAMBI

M-1 Babababambismu~!
M-2 BPM180
M-3 Seishun Guilty

Satellite to Karatea

M-1 Aoi Himawari
M-2 Bitter Tune
M-3 Hero

Laugh x Laugh

M-1 Natsu no Kakugo wo Ima Kimero!
M-2 AKO ~Akaruku Kawaii Omoroku~
M-3 Client

Looking Ahead: Laugh x Laugh’s 3rd Anniversary and Beyond

As the curtain falls on this innovative event, Laugh x Laugh is gearing up for another significant milestone. On March 9th, the group will celebrate its 3rd anniversary with a special live performance at KT Zepp Yokohama. Given the group’s reputation for blending variety show elements into their idol activities, this upcoming anniversary live is anticipated to be another uniquely entertaining and dynamic stage, further cementing their position in the evolving landscape of Japanese idol culture. This blend of traditional idol performance with comedic flair, as demonstrated at the “Oogiri Budokai,” hints at an exciting future for kawaii idol culture, potentially inspiring new forms of entertainment for a global audience.