Comedian EXIT (Rintaro/Daiki Kanechika)

2024.04.01

I worked hard at everything, which is why I discovered manzai, which has helped me to this day

Entertainer　EXIT (Rintaro/Daiki Kanechika)

■ Profile
Comedian. In January 2018, he formed EXIT with Rintaro and Daiki Kanechika. They held a solo live concert at Lumine the Yoshimoto in Tokyo just 11 months after their formation, the fastest in history. Starting in May 2024, they will hold solo live concerts in five cities across Japan, titled "EXIT Nationwide Comedy Tour: Dark Material Release SP."

■What was your student life like?

Kanechika　I was the type that stood out, so people around me called me "sugar beet." Oh, maybe "natural disaster" as in "disaster from heaven" (laughs).

Rintaro.　I was the opposite; I was the serious type who was the class representative. I was the best student, good at both studying and sports (laughs). I was popular with everyone around me, and I think I was like a god at the time.

■Please tell us what is rewarding and attractive about your job.

Kanechika　Everyone is attracted or inspired by something and makes choices. In my case, it was about two years after I started doing manzai that I thought, "This is it!" Before that, I wasn't particularly passionate about manzai, but now I find it rewarding to see the audience happy.

Rintaro.　I feel that I have reached where I am today because I have worked hard at everything I do. I think it is rare to be involved in such a wide range of activities, including news programs, events, and the beauty industry. There are parts of each job that benefit from a synergistic effect, so I want to continue working hard while valuing my originality.

■What are your thoughts on Tokyo Girls Collection?

Kanechika　It was amazing to be able to see the whole venue from the stage while hosting!

Rintaro.　This was my seventh time performing at the event. I think the audience was excited again with my hosting!

■Please give us a message for students

Kanechika　Now that you have achieved your goal of entering university, I encourage you to set your next goal. However, in order to achieve something, you have to give up something. It is also important to master one thing.

Rintaro.　When I decided to quit soccer, which I had played for four years at university, and pursue a career in manzai, I felt as if I had betrayed my parents' expectations and felt sorry. However, my soccer experience has been put to good use in many areas of my current job. I want to convey that there is nothing to lose by trying, even when it comes to determining your aptitude.

■After the interview
EXIT's humorous responses throughout the interview helped me to forget my nervousness and enjoy the conversation with the two of them. I felt that their respective ways of thinking have led to their current success, and I realized that how we perceive things can change how we act.

Student Newspaper April 1, 2024 Issue Sophia University 4nd Year Student Shirasaka Himari