Suvechha Sarkar
Only a few shows manage to capture the thrill of mystery, romance, and essentially the comedic elements, like Netflix’s ‘Kiss or Die.’ This improv Japanese drama features six exceptionally talented comedians who are put in awkward situations, wherein they are tempted by female co-stars. They are immediately eliminated or killed if they cave in for a quick kiss. However, the ultimate goal is to achieve the best kiss by the end of the series, which is carried solely on their ability to adapt quickly to the ongoing drama. Despite the experimental work, the comedians consistently proved their capabilities throughout the show, with each of them making a mark on the audience with their interesting personalities.
Gekidan Hitori Has a Multifaceted Career as a Writer, Actor, and Director
Shogo Kawashima is the real name of Gekidan Hitori. He took up his stage name when he began his solo comedic career in 2000. However, his journey began in 1993 as a part of a comedy duo. He has also proven his talent as a writer and director. His debut novel, ‘Blooming in the Shade,’ became a bestseller in 2006, helping him earn the Fountain Pen Best Coordination Award. Moreover, Gekidan is also the writer of the films ‘Asakusa Kid’ (2021) and ‘Mugonkan’ (2022). In 2014, he made his directorial debut with the movie ‘A Bolt from the Blue.’ Apart from that, he has directed ‘Asakusa Kid,’ which won the Best Feature Film at the Asian Academy Creative Awards. As of writing, Gekidan is signed with Ohta Production and is also a part of the Theatre Company Alone.
Gekidan stars in movies like ‘Memories of Matsuko’ (2006), ‘Broken Rage’ (2024), and many more. Additionally, he appears in TV series such as ‘Last One Standing’ and ‘Segodon.’ In 2024, he allowed the cameras to follow him in the documentary, ‘Hitori no Isshogai’ or ‘A Hitori Lifetime.’ Gekidan participated in rock climbing, boxing, and surviving two nights on a deserted island during that time. In September 2025, he amused the fans by calling for women participants for a cavalry battle in swimsuits at Katase-Nagam Beach. He further appeared in a Canva campaign, Make it Unbelievable, which won Silver at Spikes Asia 2025 in the category of Use of Humour. With over 1.1 million followers on X, he keeps the fans updated about his professional journey. Although Gekidan keeps his personal life under wraps, we do know that he got married in February 2009 to Ohsawa Akane.
Crystal Noda Skillfully Balances Comedy, Gaming, and Fitness
Crystal Noda is the stage name of the comedian Hikaru Noda, one of Japan’s most versatile entertainers. He is best known for being a part of the comedy duo, Magical Lovely, alongside his partner, Murakami. His talent eventually extended beyond the stage, landing him roles in television series like ‘Kichijoji Losers’ and ‘Roko Dake Ga Shitte Iru’ in 2022. As of writing, he is signed with the Yoshimoto Talent and Entertainment Agency. Crystal is also a computer programmer who began developing his own games under the name Noda Games. Although he maintains an Instagram page for the same, he mainly connects with his fans on this front through his YouTube channel, which currently has over 111K subscribers. Crystal even launched a second channel for his fitness venture, Crystal Gym.
It is a space run by comedians and celebrities who share their love for training and improvement. Crystal Gym also has its own Instagram page and YouTube channel, boasting over 9K followers and 24.5K subscribers, respectively. In March 2020, his career hit a new high when he won the R-1 Grand Prix 2020. Additionally, he made history as the only comedian to become a finalist in all three of Japan’s biggest competitions, the R-1 Grand Prix, M-1 Grand Prix, and King of Conte. In July 2025, Crystal added author to his growing list of accomplishments by writing the book, ‘If You Want to Lose Weight, Do Squats.’ Apart from that, he has over 323K followers on X and uses the platform to share his professional achievements. In his free time, Crystal loves playing basketball, doing weight training, and playing video games.
Morita Tetsuya is Thriving as a Comedian and an Entrepreneur
Morita Tetsuya has carved out an impressive professional trajectory based on laughter and teamwork. He is a member of the comedy duo Saraba Seishun no Hikari or Farewell to the Light of Youth. On this front, he works alongside his fellow comedian, Higashibukuro. Morita first stepped into the spotlight at 15 at the Shochiku Entertainment Talent Training School. By 2011, the duo’s chemistry carried onto the biggest stages with their first live performance, marking a milestone in their journey. Morita appears in several movies like ‘Tokyo City Girl’ (2016) and ‘The Manga Master’ (2019), among many others. Furthermore, he features in TV series such as ‘Ginza kuroneko monogatari’ (2020), ‘Nani ka okasii’ (2023), and ‘Madoka 26sai, Kenshûi yattemasu!’ (2025).
As of writing, Morita also serves as the President and CEO of The Morito Co. Ltd. He has remained highly active on social media, especially on X, where he currently has over 610.3K followers. On the platform, he keeps his fanbase updated on the next steps in his career. Morita’s presence is equally impressive on YouTube, where Farewell to the Light of Youth has a channel with 1.54 million subscribers. They also have a secondary channel with a community of 551K. Most recently, in August 2025, he returned with his partner to the much-loved ‘Local Free Information Center’ series, surprising fans with fresh performances. The duo uses their website to keep everyone updated with their upcoming appearances. From what we can tell, Morita has chosen to shield his personal life from the prying eyes.
Takashi Watanabe Utilizes Digital Media to Share His Weight Loss Journey
Takashi Watanabe has never been afraid to enter the spotlight, especially as one half of the comedy duo, Nishikigoi. He and his partner, Masanori Hasegawa, have built a reputation for light-hearted banter both on-stage and off-stage. The duo embarked on a solo performance tour, A Fool’s Return of Favor, on May 6, 2025, which helped them perform in 12 shows around 10 cities across Japan. Takashi showcases his versatility with his features on series like ‘Welcome, Now Get Lost’ (2025). Takashi has currently embraced the digital age and is active on social media. It is highlighted by the YouTube channel of Nishikigoi, which has over 11.9K subscribers. Aside from that, he has garnered a large fanbase on Instagram with 44K followers. Similarly, on Twitter, Takashi entertains a community of 141.7K.
Recently, Takashi has been using these platforms to document something deeply personal, which is none other than his weight loss journey. In August 2025, he shared that his doctor had advised him to lose weight. When he began the journey, he weighed in at 84.85 kg. However, his exercise and diet paid off because his weight dropped to 82.95 kg by September. Amid his hectic schedule, Takashi’s appreciation for the people around him always shines through. Whether it be enjoying meals at a restaurant with his comedy partner or spending some happy times with his colleagues and friends, he always cherishes them. The fact that Takashi often shares pictures of them showcases his affection towards them.
Kazuya Shimasa Runs His Own Blog Besides Being a Comedian
Kazuya Shimasa has built a strong reputation as a comedian and is a part of the duo, New York. It has eventually helped him gain national recognition. New York’s official YouTube channel is followed by more than 402K subscribers, who can catch glimpses of their comedic journey. They have also launched an online salon offering members live streams, exclusive video content, and even early access to tickets for their shows and events. Kazuya is a talented actor known for his appearances on the series, ‘It’s Not That I Can’t Get Married, I Just Don’t Do It’ (2016) and the movie ‘True Scary Story – Accident Property Entertainer’ (2021). In April 2025, he participated in a collaborative manga conversation show. Presently, Kazuya’s skills extend to collaborations as well.
With over 96.5K followers on Instagram, Kazuya partnered with Pringles in a paid collaboration in May 2025. In the following month, he announced the New York group’s solo concert, Dreams of the Future. There were a total of 23 performances during the concert, which extended to seven locations across Japan. In August, Kazuya proudly announced the release of their professional merchandise. Additionally, he runs his own blog on Ameba. When he is away from the stage and social media, he stays grounded with the things he loves most. Whether it’s embarking on spontaneous trips to the beach with his friends, sharing dinner, or exploring new places, Kazuya always embraces the little joys of everyday life.
Gunpee Has Built a Happy and Fulfilling Life Around His Creative Spirit
Over the years, Gunpee has gradually become famous as a witty and versatile individual. He is best known for being one of the duos in Haru to Hikoki alongside Tetsuro Tsuchioka. After beginning his comedy career, his humor has carried him not just across several stages. Moreover, it also paved the way for him to enter the world of television. Gunpee appears in the series ‘Captured Hospital’ (2023) and ‘Captured Airport’ (2024), followed by his feature in the movie ‘Kaijyu Yarou’ (2025). Furthermore, he has built an impressive online community, which helps him connect with his fans on a deeper level. With more than 426K followers on Twitter and a 114K-strong Instagram audience, these platforms serve as a window to his professional advancements and personal world.
Gunpee’s posts often highlight his comedy partner and their adventures together. In December 2024, they were featured in the Anan
magazine. In June of the following year, he achieved a significant milestone when his film ‘Kaijyu Yarou’ won the Audience Award at the German Film Festival. In the very same month, Gunpee also made his way to the Break Actor Rankings 2025. Beyond this, the actor has a website where his fans can find everything from exclusive footage to books and merchandise. When he’s not working, he lives a life filled with warmth and curiosity. Gunpee loves exploring new restaurants and never misses a chance to seek respite from his busy life by the sea.
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