Kansai Comedy Legends Shampoo Hat Spark Emotional Frenzy on National TV During 'THE SECOND'

On May 16, 2026, the comedy competition "THE SECOND ~Manzai Tournament~"—a high-stakes stage for veterans with over 16 years of experience—took place, and the performance of Kansai-based powerhouse duo Shampoo Hat has become a major talking point across Japan. Although they narrowly missed a spot in the semi-finals, social media has been flooded with praise for their unique brand of manzai and the emotional impact of seeing them perform during primetime national television.

Shampoo Hat is renowned for a style that is truly one-of-a-kind. As Seiya from the popular duo Shimofuri Myojo put it, "Shampoo Hat’s manzai is the ultimate form that only those two can deliver." This long-cultivated, distinct worldview was broadcast to living rooms nationwide, prompting a wave of heartfelt comments from long-time fans such as, "Seeing them do manzai on a national scale brings tears to my eyes," and "It was so funny it actually made me cry."

The duo’s loss to the younger pair "Linear" sparked some debate among viewers, with some fans questioning if the scoring was too low. However, others praised Linear for their clear, modern delivery, highlighting the diverse tastes in comedy and the inherent difficulty of judging such high-level veterans. For many Kansai residents who see Shampoo Hat daily on local programs, seeing them on a national network under the watchful eye of MC Koji Higashino—with whom they have worked for years—was a particularly moving moment.

During the broadcast, "Shampoo Hat" rose to the number two spot on social media trends. While they didn't walk away with the trophy, the night served as a powerful reminder of the dignity and charm of veteran comedians, with fans noting that their "unique format has finally been recognized by the world" and expressing high hopes for their return next year.

The context

In the world of Japanese comedy, "Manzai" (traditional stand-up performed by a duo) is a major cultural pillar. While the "M-1 Grand Prix" is the most famous competition for younger comedians, "THE SECOND" was established to give veterans—those with 16 or more years of experience—a chance to shine. Shampoo Hat is a legendary duo in the Kansai (Osaka) region, known for their surreal humor and the individual charisma of members Koide and Tetsuji. While they are household names in Osaka, they rarely appear on national competition shows, making this appearance a "dream come true" for fans who feel their talent deserves national recognition.