Nihon Monitor Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minato-ku, Hamamatsucho, Tokyo; President and CEO: Miki Nirasawa), a media research and analysis company, has compiled the "2026 First Half Talent TV Program Appearance Ranking" based on TV program appearance data from January to June 2026. ◇Following last year, Satoshi Shitara takes the top spot in the first half◇ In the first half of 2026, Satoshi Shitara (Banana Man) ranked first in the program appearance ranking, continuing his success from last year. In addition to hosting numerous regular programs such as "Banana Sand," his presence was so significant that he was seen on television almost every day, partly due to the expansion of broadcast hours and nationwide airing of the morning information program "Nonstop!". Yu Sawabe (Haraichi) came in second, and Akira Kawashima (Kiririn) took third place. The top three, who have been consistent since 2023, have once again appeared together. Time Machine 3gou, who ranked as a breakout talent in 2024, saw Futoshi Seki rank 7th and Koji Yamamoto rank 17th, marking their first time both members have entered the top 20. Their approachable personalities and consistent ability to generate laughter in any program are expected to lead to further success in the future. Additionally, Shinobu Hasegawa (Sissonne) at 14th place and Natsuko Yokosawa at 15th place also made their first appearances in the rankings this time. Yokosawa's realistic portrayal of juggling motherhood with three children resonated with her peers, and her sharp observational skills, characteristic of a comedian, earned her support, making her the only woman in the top 20. ▼2026 Talent TV Program Appearance Ranking *Survey by Nihon Monitor Co., Ltd. 1st Place Satoshi Shitara (Banana Man): 299 programs Nonstop! (CX) / Banana Sand (TBS) / Nogizaka Koujichuu (TX), etc. 2nd Place Yu Sawabe (Haraichi): 282 programs Pokapoka (CX) / Ikura ka Wakaru Kin? (TBS) / Soko Magattara, Sakurazaka? (TX), etc. 3rd Place Akira Kawashima (Kiri