[Spoilers Included] THE SECOND 2026 In-Depth Analysis: Decoding the '4 Circuits of Laughter' and the Champion's Strategy through Psychological Functions
Introduction
On May 16, 2026, 'THE SECOND 2026' was held, where manzai comedians with 16 or more years of experience competed fiercely.
This event took place.
In this article, we analyze the routines of this year's finalists from a unique perspective called the '4 Circuits of Laughter (NT/ST/NF/SF),' based on psychological functions.
Why did Totto seize the championship, and where does the eccentricity of Kinzoku Bat come from?
We delve into the deep structure of manzai, which cannot be fully explained by technique or sensibility alone.
1. Definition of Analysis Axes: The 4 Circuits of Laughter
In this analysis, manzai styles are classified along the following four axes:
NT (Intuition/Thinking): Structure and Logic
A style that generates laughter through the ingenuity of settings and precise composition, such as systematized jokes, metacognition, intellectual subversion, and foreshadowing payoff.
ST (Sensing/Thinking): Physicality and Technique
A style that generates laughter through overwhelming technical skill and impact, such as the proficiency of the performance, vocal projection, tempo, and physical movement.
NF (Intuition/Feeling): Worldview and Possession
A style that generates laughter through a one-of-a-kind worldview, such as a unique atmosphere, possessive characterization, passion, and absurd leaps in logic.
SF (Sensing/Feeling): Humanity and Empathy
A style that generates laughter through a sense of daily life and humanity, such as relatable everyday situations, the humor of relationships, pathos, and approachability.
2. Detailed Analysis by Finalist
Champion: Totto (ST-NT Type)
The fusion of overwhelming performance technique (ST) and precise composition (NT) led Totto to victory.
While dealing with everyday themes like 'Cash vs. Cashless' or 'Arguments in Family Settings,' Kuwahara's persistent pursuit of Tada and Tada's technique in receiving it shone through.
All three routines were highly polished, achieving a high-level balance between structural strength and stage impact.
Runner-up: Kinzoku Bat (NT-NF Type)
Characterized by unique logic (NT) and an eccentric atmosphere (NF).
Their focus points, such as 'Chicken Parts' and 'Public Holiday Rankings,' are extremely creative.
Kobayashi's calm, maniacal knowledge base combined with Tomoyasu's word sense created both intellectual subversion and an eerie worldview simultaneously.
Tamons (NF-ST Type)
A duo of intense passion (NF) and gritty technique (ST).
In their routine about 'Beer,' their aggressive stance—not shying away from crude humor—and their unreserved passion exploded.
The sheer force of their presence on stage, typical of veterans, created an unusual fervor in the venue.
Linear (NT-ST Type)
Their weapons are systematized jokes (NT) and a sense of speed (ST).
As seen in their 'searchネタ' (search-based material), they possess a high level of structural ability to incorporate modern systems into manzai.
The back-and-forth between the boke and tsukkomi is extremely speedy, and they also possess technical striking power.
The Punch (SF-ST Type)
A sense of melancholy humanity (SF) and mature technique (ST).
Their style of turning self-deprecation and past trauma into laughter is truly the pinnacle of 'humanity'.
The foundation is their stable, conversational technique that envelops the audience, cultivated through years of theater appearances.
Kuroobi (NT-NF Type)
Unsettling structure (NT) and a tense worldview (NF).
Structures like 'Quiz x Punishment Game' have a inherent toxicity that shakes the audience's sense of ethics.
The tense atmosphere that pushes the boundaries of controversy creates a unique kind of laughter.
Young (NF-NT Type)
Overwhelming power of possession (NF) and absurd logic (NT).
The theatrical atmosphere unique to former sketch comedians and Shimanaka's eerie character are the main pillars.
While it may seem incoherent at first glance, it is actually intelligently structured according to its own unique, absurd rules.
Shampoo Hat (ST-SF Type)
Classic technique (ST) and the sense of daily life in Osaka (SF).
Overwhelming performance power that has supported Osaka theaters for many years.
It is the most accessible style, delivering the humor found in the extension of daily life with the composure and reliable technique of veterans.
Conclusion
'THE SECOND 2026' was a high-level tournament where technique, ideas, passion, and humanity collided. The sight of each duo sharpening their own 'circuits' and unleashing them on stage brought emotion and laughter to many viewers. I hope this analysis helps make your manzai viewing experience deeper and more enjoyable.