NHK has announced a significant change for the upcoming 75th Kouhaku Uta Gassen, scheduled to air on December 31, marking the culmination of the year’s musical events. The singer Hoshino Gen is set to perform, but instead of his original choice of song, "Jigoku de Naze Warui" (translated as "Why Is It Bad to Be in Hell"), he will now sing "Barabara" from his debut album.
This decision follows widespread criticism on social media after the initial announcement about Hoshino performing the song originally associated with the 2013 film directed by Sion Sono, who has recently been under scrutiny due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The public reaction included claims such as, "If he sings this song, I won't watch the Kouhaku!" alongside supportive messages defending the song and its significance to listeners.
On December 26, NHK officially revealed the song change, citing their commitment to addressing the serious nature of the subject matter surrounding the original song. They stated, "The artist and NHK alike firmly reject sexual violence," echoing their position on the matter. The decision to perform "Barabara" was described as taking careful consideration of audience sentiment and the broader societal impact.
Reflecting on the shift, Hoshino addressed fans via his official website, clarifying his relationship with the song. He expressed, "The lyrics of 'Jigoku de Naze Warui' are based on my personal experiences during my recovery from subarachnoid hemorrhage, not the film's narrative." He emphasized his ownership of the song as, "It is born from within me and is my song." Despite this, he acknowledged the problematic association with the film and its director. "After considering the reactions and the possibility of unintended secondary harm, we cannot completely dismiss the concerns raised by some," he stated.
Hoshino's message reiterated their collective stance against all forms of sexual violence, making it clear they would not support any action perceived as endorsing such behaviors. He added, "If performing this song were to yield the opposite effect of what we intended, it would go against the values we uphold." He described the initial enthusiasm behind the selection of "Jigoku de Naze Warui", aimed at uplifting those enduring difficult times, which was the motivation behind the production team's original offer.
Subsequently, after discussions with the production team, the decision to switch to performing "Barabara" was made, with Hoshino expressing gratitude for the support received from fans. The singer concluded, "We comprehend how much this song is cherished by many, including myself. I promise to deliver our heartfelt performance of 'Barabara' and hope it resonates with everyone, reflecting the sentiment of the time we are living through."
The Kouhaku Uta Gassen continues to be Japan's most-watched New Year’s Eve program, drawing immense viewer interest and scrutiny each year. This change serves as not only an adjustment for the concert but as part of a larger dialogue about artistic responsibility and the consequences of associations within the entertainment space.
Hoshino's commitment to integrity and sensitivity to public opinion has spurred positive responses, with many praising both his and NHK's decisions to navigate this controversy with care. The event will now focus on the uplifting message behind "Barabara", which Hoshino hopes will offer comfort and reassurance to viewers.
With less than one week until the airing of the Kouhaku Uta Gassen, audience anticipation for the event remains high, underscored by Hoshino’s thoughtful adjustments to his performance. The engagement between the artist’s decisions and public reactions highlights the complex interplay of art and societal issues, showcasing how deeply intertwined they can be.
The countdown to the 75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen proceeds with renewed focus, as viewers are expected to tune in not only for the musical performances but also for the messages these artists choose to convey amid challenging conversations.
