Former figure skater Narumi Takahashi was ranked number one in the "2026 First Half Breakout Talent" category of the "2026 First Half Talent TV Appearance Ranking" (Nihon Monitor), which was announced on July 2nd.
This article compares the number of TV appearances by breakout talents from last year to this year. Takahashi, who topped the list with an increase of 107 appearances compared to the same period last year, served as a commentator for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics held in February this year. Her easy-to-understand commentary and positive remarks, honed from her experience as a former figure skater, became a hot topic. Even after the Olympics ended, she has continued to dominate variety shows with her naturally cheerful personality.
In second place was Nana Takagi with an increase of 92, followed by the comedy duo "Takuro" in third place with an increase of 88, the dance and vocal group "Chotokkyu" in fourth place with an increase of 75, and Yoichiro Kakitani in fifth place with an increase of 72.
The ranking covers individuals who appeared on television programs broadcast on NHK General, Nippon Television, TV Asahi, TBS, TV Tokyo, and Fuji Television (Tokyo area terrestrial broadcast) from January 1 to June 21, 2026. The ranking is compiled by combining group and individual appearances. Announcers affiliated with broadcasting stations, infomercial presenters, and rerun programs are excluded.
◇Top 10 Breakout Talents of the First Half of 2026 (Titles omitted)
1st place: Narumi Takahashi, 107 hits (16 hits → 123 hits)
2nd place Nana Takagi 92 books (18 → 110)
3rd place: Takuro, 88 hits (0 hits → 88 hits)
4th place: Bullet Train - 75 shows (98 shows → 173 shows)
5th place: Yoichiro Kakitani, 72 home runs (29 home runs → 101 home runs)
6th place: AAe! group, 59 tickets (155 tickets → 214 tickets)
7th place: Don Decollete (0 bottles → 58 bottles)
8th place: Rainbow - 55 hits (69 hits → 124 hits)
9th Soma Santoki, 49 home runs (2 home runs → 51 home runs)
10th place ROIROM 42 books (2 books → 44 books)
