On New Year's Eve, the 75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen concert witnessed one of its most unexpected moments when the iconic Japanese rock duo B'z made a surprise appearance. Vocalist Koshi Iinaba (60) and guitarist Takahiro Matsumoto (63), who had long resisted year-end television appearances, stunned fans as they took the stage for what some describe as the highlight of the night.
According to NHK insiders, "No one could have imagined they'd show up for just a pre-recorded performance. The audience erupted with enthusiasm when they made their surprise entry!" The duo, known for their impressive catalog and powerful performances, was initially invited to sing their new single "Illumination,” the theme song for the show "Omusubi,” which they had been closely associated with.
For years, NHK had pursued B'z for their coveted spot on the New Year's program, but the group held firm to their policy of taking time off during the year-end and New Year period. This change of heart came as the producers, driven by the significance of their role as the theme song artists for , started negotiations well before the show, intending for them to perform.
"Producing teams made earlier offers than usual this year, and the discussions began with pre-recorded performances as the focus. But it became clear quickly how tough it was to fit the busy schedules of the two artists," explained another TV network executive involved. The unexpected turn came when NHK suggested the possibility of live performance on the day of the broadcast, because traditional negotiations were expected to hit snags.
This approach led to the creation of an unprecedented on-stage production where the venue, NHK Hall, was transformed to resemble more of their signature live concert atmosphere with lighting and set design crafted to engage the audience fully. What's more, two of the three songs they would perform were entirely at the request of B'z—an idea promoted by the NHK team to make the event more entertaining. According to the insiders: "They felt strongly about their debut appearance and accepted the offers confidently."
The announcement of their participation came on December 25, but behind the scenes, arrangements had been expedited well before the public disclosure. According to insiders familiar with the preparations, the two members engaged intensely about what songs to perform, taking their time to arrive at the best choices. "With the intent of ensuring more of the audience could enjoy themselves, they selected "LOVE PHANTOM” and "ultra soul.”"
The approach paid off remarkably. NHK Hall, filled with fans buzzing with excitement, turned roared as they joined Iinaba for the explosive chorus of "ultra soul". It was all hands on deck shouting "Ultra Soul, hey!" along with the duo during the show. Their performance spanned 7 minutes and 54 seconds, marking one of the longest song presentations of the night.
The surprise announcement of their live performance caught everyone off guard and re-energized the atmosphere of the long-standing New Year’s tradition. For many fans, witnessing B'z sing live, including the two beloved classics, felt like witnessing history—especially since the duo had famously eschewed appearances during this time of the year. The excitement was palpable, and during the crescendo of their final song, the crowd joined harmoniously to amplify the experience.
It is worth noting the cultural significance behind the duo's decision to participate and embrace this setting after years of absence. Fans everywhere noted the iconic nature of B'z being part of the New Year traditions, solidifying their place within Japanese entertainment history.
The event’s success reaffirms B'z’s legendary status with their fans and also sets the stage for future engagements as they return to the forefront of live performances. Their ability to surprise the audience not only left the fans thrilled but also left many pondering what major acts NHK might tackle next during future New Year events.