The NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, the beloved year-end music show, marked its 75th anniversary on December 31, 2023, with performances and moments to be remembered. The broadcast saw household viewership ratings averaging 29.0% during the first half and 32.7% during the second, according to Video Research, making it one of the lowest ratings since the show adopted its two-part format back in 1989. Although the numbers indicated drops compared to previous years, the slight uptick of 0.8 points from last year's second part signals the program's enduring popularity.
This year's performance highlighted the iconic rock band B'z, who made their much-anticipated debut on the show after over 35 years of musical contributions to Japan’s music scene. Their entrance came as quite the surprise; rumors had circulated about their participation being pre-recorded, but upon their arrival at the NHK Hall, it was clear this was live. The hosts, including Kanna Hashimoto, couldn't hide their astonishment, responding with, "What?!"—setting the stage for what became one of the show's highlights.
B'z delivered electrifying renditions of their hits, expressing their prowess with songs like "Illumination," the theme song for the popular serial drama "Omusubi," and classic tracks “LOVE PHANTOM” and “ultra soul.” The latter provoked enthusiastic audience engagement, as concertgoers shouted and raised their hands at the iconic line, creating palpable excitement.
This incredible performance did not go unnoticed on social media, where B'z immediately became one of the most talked-about topics. The excitement led to noticeable engagement numbers; the band's fan club swelling significantly with 10,000 new members reported just three days post-broadcast. Their performance encapsulated the essence of shared experience, unifying fans of all ages—a remarkable feat, especially for the 60-something duo of Koshi INABA and Takahiro Matsumoto.
Reflecting on their performance's impact, one music writer stated, "Good things are good, and people realize it," emphasizing B'z’s ability to resonate with both older fans who grew up with their music and younger audiences now discovering their sound.
The Kohaku Uta Gassen itself remains a staple of Japanese New Year celebrations, offering not just entertainment, but also cultural significance. The show, which began as a radio program on January 1, 1951, transitioned to television broadcasts by 1953 and has since evolved to reflect changing musical tastes and societal trends.
This year’s celebration also included the nostalgic element of 4K restored replays of historical performances, honoring previous entries and their cultural importance. NHK previously aired remastered footage from significant past iterations, allowing viewers to relive classic moments, including performances from 1969 when the Apollo 11 landed on the moon. The tricky mix of nostalgia and contemporary performances leads to broader conversations about the future of such traditions in the face of changing media consumption patterns.
Despite the pressures of modern entertainment, the Kohaku Uta Gassen continues to draw immense viewership every year, standing out against the decline of traditional television viewership across many entertainment sectors. It remains the pinnacle of Japanese music showcases, binding generations through the shared love of music, urging fans to reflect, rejoice, and celebrate their culture.
The B'z phenomenon serves as proof of this resilience; their performance was not merely historical but also transformative, recalling the depth of emotional connection music evokes within the listeners it reaches. With their energetic representations and surprise elements, B'z not only rejuvenated their own legacy but reinvigorated the spirit of the Kohaku Uta Gassen for yet another generation. Who knows what the 76th installment will bring? The anticipation is already palpable.