The comedy manga Show-ha Shoten!, written by Akinari Asakura and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, is set to conclude with its 11th volume in September. This slice-of-life series, serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine since October 2021, follows the journey of two high school students, Azemichi Shijimi and Taiyo Higashikata, as they strive to become Japan’s top comedy duo.
A Comedy Dream Team’s Journey
Show-ha Shoten! tells the story of Azemichi, a shy high schooler with a talent for writing jokes, and Taiyo, a former child actor with dreams of making it big in the comedy world. After Taiyo discovers Azemichi’s secret talent as an anonymous joke writer, he convinces Azemichi to partner with him for their school’s cultural festival. Their sketch is a hit, and they win the award for best performance. Recognizing their complementary strengths – Azemichi’s writing and Taiyo’s performing and ad-libbing – they form the comedy duo “One-Way Ticket to the Top,” setting their sights on the peak of the Japanese comedy scene.
The series explores the nuances of manzai, a traditional Japanese comedy style involving a funny man (boke) and a straight man (tsukkomi). The boke makes ridiculous statements, while the tsukkomi provides comedic reactions and contextualizes the jokes for the audience.
The Road to the Top
The duo faces various challenges, including Azemichi’s strict family and the fierce competition in the comedy world. To earn his parents’ blessing, Azemichi and Taiyo must win the bimonthly High School Comedy Battle. They encounter rivals such as Sprechchor, and though they initially place second behind Rising, they are elevated to first place when Rising resigns. This victory allows them to continue pursuing their comedy dreams, and they enter the Kanto-2 block preliminary round of Wara-1 Koshien, a national manzai competition for high school students.
Taiyo is driven by a desire to create laughter that reaches his deceased former partner, who dreamed of winning both the Wara-1 Grand Prix and the Ultimate Comedy Battle. With the support of their senpai, a dedicated comedy fan who acts as their manager and manzai trainer, Azemichi and Taiyo navigate the challenges of the comedy world, honing their skills and developing their unique style.
A Blend of Comedy and Heart
Show-ha Shoten! has been praised for its engaging story, likable characters, and insightful exploration of Japanese comedy. Reviewers have noted that the series is not just a comedy but also a shonen battle manga, focusing on the characters’ growth and determination as they pursue their goals. The series also highlights the importance of teamwork, as Azemichi and Taiyo learn to leverage each other’s strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
Danny Guan of Game Rant included Show-ha Shoten! on a list of the “Best Shonen Manga of 2021”. Joe Pascullo of School Library Journal called the series “edutainment excellence,” noting that readers will learn about the Japanese comedy scene and the fundamentals of creating comedy. Antonio Mireles of The Fandom Post praised the duo’s teamwork and noted the similarities between Azemichi and Taiyo and the protagonists of Obata’s earlier manga, Bakuman.
Takeshi Obata’s Artistry
The manga’s artwork, by Takeshi Obata (known for Death Note, Bakuman, and Hikaru no Go), has been lauded for its expressive characters and dynamic scenes. Obata’s art brings the world of manzai to life, capturing the energy and emotion of the performances.
Series Conclusion
As the series approaches its conclusion, fans eagerly await the final volume to see if Azemichi and Taiyo will achieve their dreams of comedy stardom. The 11th volume of Show-ha Shoten! is scheduled for release in September, marking the end of this heartwarming and humorous series.
Show-ha Shoten! is available in English from Viz Media. The series can also be read on Manga Plus by Shueisha.
