Shoten members, including host Shunputei Shota (front row, center), pose for a photo with the Guinness World Records certificate.
このページを で読む
Nippon TV announced that Shoten, its long-running entertainment program, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the longest-running weekly television comedy panel show. The show marked its 60th anniversary in May.
Shoten features a panel of comedians giving improvisational responses to prompts in ogiri, a format inspired by the rakugo storytelling tradition. The panel's oldest member, Sanyutei Koraku, received the Guinness certificate during the June 7 broadcast and said, "Thank you very much. We are truly grateful."
Shoten first aired in May 1966. Its signature ogiri format—where witty answers are rewarded with cushions and boring ones lose them—was devised by its first host, Tatekawa Danshi.
'No Other Show Like It'
The current host, Shunputei Shota, is the sixth to take on the role, though the same format has been passed down for 60 years.
During the broadcast, Shota explained that the program was certified "because it has continued doing ogiri in the same style all this time." He added, "There can't be another show like that anywhere in the world," drawing laughter.
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
このページを で読む
