The production company "K-PRO" that leads the comedy live scene. It has now been highlighted even in terrestrial television programs, making its presence well-known not only to comedians but also to comedy fans.
In this interview, we received comments from Ms. Kana Kojima, the representative of K-PRO. What words were thrown at them, and how did the two groups respond…?

Last article!
Part 1 - Ex-girlfriends, share houses, udon... What past and connections will be revealed in the first dialogue between the two groups?

Released on 5/15 (Thursday)!
Part 3 - With jealousy and dating techniques... And of course, passion is present! The initial dialogue project is finally reaching its final episode!

ZAIKO: What kind of existence is "K-PRO" to you all?

Everyone: Oh! Ah~ K-PRO!

Kamimura (Aoiro 1-go): This is Salvace, right? You should say something good, don't you think?

Orida (Salvace): (K-PRO is) a large live production company, but we started coming out relatively recently, or rather, about 2-3 years ago.
Aoiro (1-go) has been around for a long time, and others from Ota Pro, like "Sasurai Rabbi" and "Stretchies", were called at quite an early stage. I thought it was a world of "only glamorous people" could appear in the world of live performances, and the first one who invited us was Aoiro 1-go!

When there was something called "Aoiro 1-go Yosai" at K-PRO’s live, they invited Salvace, and from there we started appearing bit by bit.
Before that, we had no exchanges with other agencies, but K-PRO was the first event to have people from agencies other than Yoshimoto, so it's a place that connects Salvace with various people.

Matsuyama (Salvace): I had been friends with Aoiro for a long time, but I was told, "You guys aren't with K-PRO yet!" After we started to be accepted properly at other lives, they suddenly called us. So, I felt specially happy.

Tomo-yupp (Salvace): It feels like a place that gently pushes you to say, "Hey, you should perform here!" If it weren't for that, we might have ended up buried for 9 or 10 years, but it feels like they created a place that strongly supported us and said, "Please everyone, watch us!" So, I hope we can move forward and not fall into the audience...

Kamimura: ...You're good!

Orida: It’s not that good! The end!

Tomo-yupp: I apologize. I accidentally showed my "skill".

Kamimura: You guys better watch out, okay?

Tomo-yupp: I’m seriously trembling. I gave a chance!

Kariya (Aoiro 1-go): K-PRO, what kind of existence... uh, wait a moment... let's hear from the other two first...

Everyone: (laughs)

Kamimura: We also got to perform after Sasurai Rabbi called us, and it felt like K-PRO was showing us, "There’s a trio called Aoiro 1-go!" I really get chills thinking, "What if we hadn't performed (at K-PRO)?" I question if we would still continue in comedy. They still call us for so many lives now, and Mr. Kojima, the representative, also mentions us in various media. For our comedy... no, the mother of Tokyo, "Kana Kojima".

Tomo-yupp: No, she’s not from Tokyo! She has a real mother!

Everyone: (laughs)

Kamimura: My mother, in Tokyo...

Orida: I get what we say, but I’m from Kagoshima!

Kamimura: Well, anyway, she really loves comedians... and I want to repay her as soon as possible. I feel like, "I have to repay her".

Enomoto (Aoiro 1-go): She’s been spreading the word that "Aoiro 1-go exists" in so many events… thanks to that, we are able to perform at K-PRO like this, and I want to get popular as soon as possible and repay her...

Orida: That's the same!

Everyone: (laughs)

Tomo-yupp: I was genuinely surprised just now!

Orida: Were you joking, or was it altogether the same! It felt thin too, right?

Kamimura: That's because Kariya is here.

Kariya: Seriously, I want to repay her quickly.

Everyone: (laughs)

Tomo-yupp: Oh no...

Orida: Of course, right? We all want to repay her!

Kariya: Definitely.

Kamimura: Definitely, that’s all there is right now.

Kariya: Even though there’s a lot going on, that doesn't matter. We are always on her side. I would like to continue being on Ms. Kojima’s side, as I have been taken care of by her.

ZAIKO: Actually, I have received a message from Ms. Kojima for all of you.

Everyone: Eh~~~~!! This is amazing~~~~!!!

Tomo-yupp: Eh~~~ Seriously!? I get Aoiro, but us too!? I’ve only been told "Good morning~"!

Orida: No, there’s more than that!

Tomo-yupp: No, Orida is talking about something, but when I typically change, it's only those two; "Good morning~" and "When you're changing, you can't take everything off and then get dressed!" This is it!

Everyone: (laughs)

Tomo-yupp: You must change while separating your upper and lower body! I tend to change by taking everything off, so they said, "You can't change while completely naked!" and "Good morning~", just those two!

Orida: That’s a mother, teaching you things like that.

ZAIKO: First, to Aoiro 1-go──

"I think each of the three of you is a bundle of heat. Although the way of showing that heat differs, each of the three is so passionate that ‘if there were a manga about comedians, it could be drawn with them as the protagonists’. I'm also pleased to continue seeing you in this stage environment as a growth record.
For each of your rooms, the three of you, the three of you when performing skits, I would be happy to keep seeing Aoiro 1-go from now on!"

Orida: That’s amazing!! A talented writer!!

Tomo-yupp: That's basically a love letter!

Orida: Thinking of Aoiro 1-go that way is incredible!!

Kamimura: That’s amazing.

Orida: Only Kamimura can see it! You can see the heat at a glance!

Kamimura: I was actually sharp when I first started. I remember getting irritated seeing the corner of the seating like this (pointing at the desk in front of the mirror). I really didn’t talk to anyone, come to think of it.
At that time, Ms. Kojima called out to me, saying, “Hey, today Hanako is here, so talk!” and introduced me to Hanako. After that, she went somewhere, and since I was sharp, I thought, "There’s nothing to talk about~", so I returned to my seat again. And I was looking at that corner again.

Everyone: (laughs)

Kamimura: I’m really happy that she called someone like me. She’s like the mother of Tokyo!

Tomo-yupp: It’s true that it feels like each has its own role as a protagonist.

Orida: It’s easy to understand.

Kariya: This is the first time I’ve heard that. I can say there are three different roles, but it’s the first time to be told that each one can be a protagonist. I’ve realized I could be a protagonist myself.

Everyone: (laughs)

Tomo-yupp: Don’t be too humble!

Orida: Did you notice? We’ve received a lot of golden words!

Tomo-yupp: Everyone can become a protagonist! Actually, each has had good episodes!

Orida: I thought drawing a manga was quite difficult. In reality, only Kamimura can really draw (laughs).

Kariya: Shonen magazine (Kamimura), Seinen magazine (Kariya), and from Queer-friendly to... Doujinshi (Enomoto).

Enomoto: Queer-friendly (laughs).

Tomo-yupp: One that ends with 12 pages, that’s a doujinshi (laughs).

ZAIKO: Next, Salvace! 

To Salvace──

"Salvace is a trio that I met on the recommendation of Aoiro 1-go and Sasurai Rabbi who said a simple, 'Please call us for a live once because they are so entertaining!' Now, not just skits but also with their versatility in young live MCs and game corners, I rely on them so much that if they are not there, it feels lonely.
Initially, it was the intense laughter impression of Tomo-yupp, who has many gags, but later I laughed a lot from first MC Orida's flustered appearance, and now Matsuyama's improvisational skills make me laugh and feel moved, their variety power is certainly amazing!
I think the junior comedians should thoroughly watch that appearance! Heat and humor are justice! I am grateful for the smile you bring every time!"

Orida: Thank you very much! It's great to hear individual stories.

Kamimura: So? Tomo-yupp.

Tomo-yupp: Well, it seems you didn't delve into the inner parts too much.

Everyone: (laughs)

Orida: Up to that point is fine. There might have been too good of a message for Aoiro 1-go!

Kariya: It was long.

Orida: Totally compensated with the volume of sentences!

Tomo-yupp: It felt like it compensated more with literary talent than passion!

Everyone: (laughs)

Enomoto: That's really good!

Orida: I’m super happy!!!

Tomo-yupp: Certainly brings back memories of the past days. Though we forced our gags, Orida worked hard as an MC, and Matsuyama recently is getting recognized even at K-PRO.

Orida: "Being picked on."

Tomo-yupp: Being picked on. Matsuyama is good at creating a strange atmosphere, and when it’s necessary to lead, he is sometimes the one named. I felt, "Ah, they’re properly watching us."

Orida: Yes, there aren’t many occasions where we get to do the MC. I think for those of our level, as in for our comedy years. So despite our age and being able to show that to the younger comedians from other agencies, we’re getting a great education every day!

ZAIKO: There are also comments directed towards both groups.

Tomo-yupp: You must be extremely busy, Ms. Kojima! What are you doing!?

Kariya: I’m so happy...!

ZAIKO:

"From two to three, I think the point where the trio enhanced is one thing in common between both groups. I'd love to hear if, for example, there are any changes in how pieces fit together or how to create gags.
Or please let me know about the pleasure of standing on stage as a comedian. At what point do you dive into the role—during practice? When darkness hits? Behind the stage?—for example, tell me about the moments when you get into the role, and when you get to laugh, like ‘I just hit that zone!’.”

ZAIKO: First of all, when you became a trio, did you feel like the pieces fell into place, or has the way you’re enjoyed changed or how you create gags changed?

Kamimura: We weren't that funny when we were a duo... I mean we were funny, but something was missing. Once we became a trio, we had proper jokes added, so we became funnier on stage, I definitely felt that. It was kind of vague when we were a duo, somewhat like the older group "Sandler" when they were at their low...

Everyone: (laughs)

Orida: Hey, don’t say that! Don’t compare us to a bad example!

Kamimura: If I put it down, it will get conveyed!

Orida: I think it might be conveyed to Ms. Kojima too!

Kamimura: I thought the vague feeling was "Somehow weak".

Kariya: Well, we’re not a power type either.

Kamimura: Hmm... but still, adding someone who can tease brought a feeling of “the gag is done!” along with that.

Kariya: Exactly. Without me, it would have been dangerous.

Everyone: (laughs)

Kamimura: It feels great to have partnered up with each other.

Kariya: We were on the verge of just being "Sandler".

Orida: Just being "Sandler"! (laughs)

Kariya: I might have just been "Kariya's thoughts".

Everyone: (laughs)

ZAIKO: This was also a question raised, but do you have the pleasure of standing on stage as a comedian, or the moment when you say "I hit the zone!"?

Kamimura: I haven't achieved results enough to get a thrill yet, but that moment when... when we take the stage in a large venue, that split second when it becomes dark... When I say “We’re at the starting point,” and the lights brighten, it's when the audience feels like, "It’s starting!" At that moment, even I think to myself, "I look cool!".

ZAIKO: What about you, Kariya?

Kariya: As a comedian... it's hard to say. Only when it gets laughs... umm, what is it...

Orida: It seems like you have fun when you're embodying the role! Like an aunt.

Kariya: That’s right! It’s way more fun when I can just shout, since often I’m in situations where I can’t use my voice. I... talk quietly...

Everyone: (laughs)

Orida: You can talk loudly whenever you want!

Kariya: When I can raise my voice, I step into that loud character as a release or an outlet.

Tomo-yupp: To express the impulse within you!

Kariya: That’s right. It allows me to become a character, as a comedian.

ZAIKO: What about you, Enomoto?

Enomoto: I’m the one who does the retorts, so when the retorts hit, I think, "I received a lot of laughs and I'm happy."

Everyone: (laughs)

Orida: When I read this article, I would be in the second grade! To say, "When a retort hits it’s super satisfying" is wild!

Enomoto: I’m the one who does the retorts. I’m happy when the retort hits!

Tomo-yupp: Creative ways and humor or ways of speaking, it could have changed just a little—!

Orida: Aoiro-san's script often has many vague parts, so could you say, "Actually, I’m the one making it hit with the retorts"?

Enomoto: Not at all. I’m just doing what I’m told.

Kamimura: I just read the lines in the script. The retorts are when they hit, right!

Enomoto: That’s right!

Kamimura: I’m the one who writes the lines for the retorts.

Orida: But it’s still exciting and fun when it hits, right?

Kamimura: You don’t need to add that.

Tomo-yupp: You're just watering down water.

Orida: In "Poten Hit" where I was in a duo, I usually write things, but 9:1, I’m the one talking more. Writing is tiring, and I often think, "I should let Matsuyama talk more," as I write. Back then, I might have been somewhat power-harassing, but Matsuyama seemed to have found the way I said things quite strict; during the rehearsals, he wouldn't really give his opinions.

During that time, someone like Tomo-yupp joined, and there was a feeling that "If it's just Orida and Matsuyama, the stage seems quite dull, but with Tomo-yupp, it feels interesting to perform with them". As a result, we were able to create skits where the ratio ended at 5:5:0 where Matsuyama wouldn’t speak at all (laughs). It became much more balanced. I didn’t have to do all the talking by myself.

So, when Matsuyama and I are at the forefront together, and Matsuyama pops in, it gets laughs. The way to use "Matsuyama" has expanded a lot, since we formed a trio.

Matsuyama and Tomo-yupp: ...

Orida: Are you awkward? Why are you awkward? (laughs)

Kamimura: Maybe Tomo-yupp is shy.

Tomo-yupp: No, it’s not that. Here, "Poten Hit" are my high school classmates. We have been together since then, and even when we joined the production company, we still mess with each other’s hair. Although it’s not a bromance, it felt a bit daunting for me to join in there. This is kind of... it’s not a bromance, but...

Everyone: (laughs)

Tomo-yupp: I was also scared of disrupting the bond! By joining, I thought I would ruin "Orimatsu"!

Everyone: (laughs)

Tomo-yupp: When I joined the duo, there were experiences like this! I don’t usually write gags, but since I’ve watched numerous skits, I would say, "It would be good if it were like this". I would share ideas to them. Eventually, I joined them, and I think by doing that, I can provide divergence of my successive effort; and I can hear my advice, which makes me very happy.

Matsuyama: The number of lines has always been less since the duo, but with Tomo-yupp, it has become even less.
When there’s no line, the way you stand and act becomes unexpectedly challenging... in skits; when I want them to watch Orida and Tomo-yupp, if my presence pulls focus, it can be distracting, so I have confidence that in terms of that kind of posture, probably nobody can beat me!

Orida and Tomo-yupp: Certainly!!

Matsuyama: So, since it’s a skit, it’s also necessary for those important points... In stand-up, there’s more need to talk, but I also think not talking is an asset.

Orida: Marvelous.

Tomo-yupp: Orimatsu...

Next time, we will deliver behind-the-scenes stories of the decision for the "Curry BIG" on 5/17, as well as our enthusiasm for live and stream performances and feelings towards the fans!

Streaming tickets for the "Aoiro 1-go x Salvace New Skit Two-man Live 'Curry BIG'" are available here👇

"Curry BIG" Streaming Ticket

Check the latest comedy events

About Aoiro 1-go

Aoiro 1-go
Graduated from Ota Pro Entertainment Academy 7th class
Formed as a trio in May 2017 when Kariya joined.
Ota Pro Live "Getsu War" 2024 Climax Series winner. 45th ABC Comedy Grand Prix 2024 runner-up. King of Conte 2022 semi-finalist. A trio popular for skits depicting everyday occurrences. From left to right: Kamimura (Boke, gag writer), Jun Enomoto (Tsukkomi), Soumen Kariya (Boke).

About Salvace

Salvace
Graduated from Ota Pro Entertainment Academy 7th class.
Matsuyama and Orida are graduates of Kagoshima Prefectural Kase High School and performed comedy at school festivals since high school. After graduating from university, they moved to Tokyo and performed as a duo called "Poten Hit." Tomo-yupp won the Kagoshima Prefectural preliminaries of the High-School Manzai during his high school years and after entering Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, formed the comedy club "Methane Hydrate." In 2020, Tomo-yupp joined "Poten Hit," forming the current trio.

About K-PRO

Check the latest events from K-PRO

About ZAIKO

"ZAIKO" is a platform that allows artists and fans to connect directly through electronic tickets, operating a service that emphasizes artists and event organizers first. Since March 2020, it was the first to introduce electronic ticketing with live streaming, contributing to the management of over 40,000 events including live events.