The 75th edition of the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, Japan's iconic New Year's Eve music show, is set to dazzle audiences with an exciting lineup of performances, alongside the anticipation surrounding its milestone anniversary. This year, the dance and vocal group Da-iCE will make their debut, adding fresh energy to the well-established tradition.
The rehearsals for the highly celebrated event took place at NHK Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo, where members of Da-iCE—Dai Kudo, Tohru Iwaoka, Yudai Ohno, Sota Hanamura, and Hayate Wada—expressed their enthusiasm for performing on such a prestigious platform. The group, celebrating their 10th anniversary since their major debut, has had significant achievements including winning the Grand Prize at the 63rd Japan Record Awards. Da-iCE is eager to showcase their talents by performing their song "I wonder," and their excitement was palpable during media interactions.
During the rehearsals, the group maintained light-hearted banter. When prompted about their feelings on their debut, Hanamura playfully diverted the question to Kudo, leading to their interchangeable dialogue. Kudo emphasized their desire to bring their joy to the audience, stating, "Since it's our first appearance, we want to enjoy it just like we always do. The song is also fun, so we’re aiming to deliver good vibes the whole time." This reflects not just their readiness but their excitement about being part of the historic event.
One seemingly typical tradition of the Kouhaku Uta Gassen involves asking participants to reveal their kanji character of the year. Ohno humorously stumbled through the answer and suggested the character for warmth, "あた" referring to how the year had fewer cold days. The playful atmosphere provided glimpses of the camaraderie within the group, with Wada adding humorously, "It's not about us!" This light-hearted dynamic complemented the serious aspect of their preparations.
The show will feature renowned hosts for this special anniversary. Comedians Hiroiki Ariyoshi, along with actors Kanna Hashimoto and Sairi Ito, will share the hosting duties. Interestingly, this marks the first time both leads of the sunrise dramas from the year are at the forefront, embedding a sense of tradition and continuity within the show—as it continues to honor its roots but also embraces new beginnings.
The Red and White Song Battle has deeply embedded itself within Japanese culture, providing not only entertainment but also fostering national unity and celebration. Last year, the Red team took home the victory for the 34th time against the White team's 40 victories, emphasizing the friendly but competitive spirit of the event.
Overall, the 75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen promises to be memorable, with Da-iCE's debut expected to be one of the highlights. Will they have made their mark on the show? With anticipation building, viewers clearly have much to look forward to this New Year's Eve.