The 75th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, Japan's iconic New Year's Eve song festival, has unveiled its exciting lineup, drawing anticipation from music fans across the nation. Scheduled to air on December 31 from 7:20 PM to 11:45 PM (Japan Time), this year's theme is "Songs for You," bringing together both veteran and newcomer artists to celebrate the spirit of music.
The talented list of performers includes both the Red Team (kō) and the White Team (shiro), comprising 42 acts altogether, with notable names from Japan's vast music scene. The Red Team features beloved artists like aiko, who will sing "Sōshi Ai", and Sayuri Ishikawa, who will perform "Noto Peninsula," marking her 47th appearance. The Red Team also includes other popular names such as Ayumi Hamasaki and TWICE, the latter showcasing their medley "TT - Feel Special".
Among the newcomers participating this year are rising stars such as ILLIT, whose song "Magnetic" has drawn global attention, and tuki, who at just 15 years old boasts over 300 million streams for her hit "Dinnertime Song". Another newcomer, ME:I, will also make their debut stage appearance.
The event's tradition of thematic performances continues with exciting collaborations. Sheena Ringo will perform "Hobo Mizu no Awa" alongside Momoko, and Hiroshi Gō will incorporate archival footage from NHK's 100 years of broadcasting lore during his segment titled "Two Hundred Forty Million Eyes — 100th Anniversary of Broadcasting GO!GO! SP". Meanwhile, Starry Sky Distance by The Alfee is set to captivate audiences with nostalgia.
Special segments this year are particularly ambitious. Tomorrow X Together, who made headlines for their rapid success, will present their Japanese version of "5:53 PM's Sky". This year also pays tribute with poignant performances, such as Yonezu Kenshi performing his new single, which serves as the theme song for the NHK morning drama, "Tora ni Tsubasa". A beautiful memorial segment will honor the late Toshiyuki Nishida, featuring heartfelt recreations of his beloved songs.
Additional highlights include new performances from Misia, who will present the "Kōhaku Special 2024", and choreographed events from various artists like Yoshimi Tendo, who attempts her second consecutive "Enka x Domino" challenge.
The Kōhaku Uta Gassen remains one of Japan's most-watched television events, blending music with cultural elements, aiming to resonate with audiences of all ages. The event serves not only to entertain but also to reflect on the past year and share messages of hope and connection through music.
With its star-studded lineup and richly woven theatrical performances, this year's Kōhaku promises to deliver unforgettable entertainment for viewers at home.
For the complete list of participants and song titles, see below:
- Red Team:
- aiko - "相思相愛"
- Sayuri Ishikawa - "能登半島"
- tuki - "晩餐歌"
- TWICE - "TT～Feel Special" - Super Medley
- And many more...
- White Team:
- Hiroshi Gō - "2億4千万の瞳 放送100年 GO！GO！SP"
- Creepy Nuts - "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born"
- Number_i - "GOAT"
- And many more...
The Kōhaku Uta Gassen, revered for celebrating Japan’s diverse musical talent, consistently relays messages of resilience and hope through its performances, creating moments to cherish and enjoy as families gather to ring in the New Year.
