The 2024 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, celebrated annually on New Year's Eve, showcased remarkable viewership ratings, reaffirming its status as Japan's quintessential televised event.
Broadcast on December 31, 2024, the show's second segment achieved impressive individual average ratings of 23.4%, with household ratings peaking at 32.7%, according to Video Research, which conducted the survey across the Kanto region.
The Kōhaku Uta Gassen featured numerous popular artists, with performers like B’z making notable appearances. This year marked the return of THE ALFEE, who joined the lineup after over four decades since their last participation. Their resurgence, along with several first-time participants from diverse musical backgrounds, brought much excitement.
At the event’s conclusion, the show was recognized for its immense audience engagement. "瞬間世帯最高視聴率は35.9％（ビデオリサーチ調べ、関東地区）だったことが6日、分かった," reported Nikkan Sports, noting the highest viewership moment happened during the announcement of the winning team. The second segment recorded its peak at 11:44 PM, right when the White Team's victory was declared.
Ratings for the first part of the show were equally strong, with the highest viewership reaching 31.7% at 7:56 PM. This continued success reflects the traditional significance of the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, especially on New Year's Eve, where it ranks as one of the most-watched programs of the year.
The Kōhaku Uta Gassen maintained its cultural relevance, with themes embodying both joy and reflection. The evening's theme, "あなたへの歌" (A Song for You), encapsulated numerous sentiments, celebrating hope and happiness. The broadcast integrated performances with emotional undertones, acknowledging the rise of natural disasters and global conflicts throughout the year.
Many viewers eagerly anticipated the surprise guest performances, such as B’z's unannounced appearance singing their new theme song from the television drama "おむすび" (Omusubi), attended by numerous fans. Their hits "LOVE PHANTOM" and "ultra soul" added nostalgia and energy, pulling viewers deep within the performance experience.
Many artists took this platform not only for entertainment but also for messages, reflecting on the past year’s hardships and joys. The presence of well-known groups and artists was part of what made this show extraordinary, solidifying its status within the nation's entertainment fabric.
Despite not reaching the coveted 40% viewership mark for the fourth consecutive year, the 2024 Kōhaku Uta Gassen still surpassed last year's rating, which emphasized the show's resilience and viewer loyalty. Historical data show the issue, as the previous top ratings from 2023 stood at 36.7%, demonstrating the difficulties of maintaining or surpassing such high expectations.
The event remains integral to Japanese New Year's traditions, weaving music and narrative, connecting generations through love for popular culture. With each passing year, it remains to be seen how this national treasure will adapt to changing audience preferences but still serves as the year's emotional and celebratory high note.