Japanese singer Hoshino Gen is facing significant backlash over his song selection for the upcoming 75th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, scheduled for New Year’s Eve. Despite his reputation and numerous hit songs, his choice to perform "Jigoku de Naze Warui" (Why Is It Bad in Hell) has stirred controversy within his fanbase and the public alike.
The track, originally written for the 2013 film of the same name, has associations with director Sion Sono, who has faced sexual misconduct allegations since 2022. The song has garnered affection from Hoshino's fans but has now become embroiled in public discourse about accountability and artistic expression.
On December 23, Hoshino announced via Instagram his excitement to perform the song live, stating, "This song is about conveying feelings to each of you watching on TV." He expressed enthusiasm for sharing his music, hoping it resonates with viewers. He stated the request stemmed from Kōhaku producers who expressed their desire for him to sing this song, viewing it as one rich with emotional depth and universal connection.
While many supporters expressed joy at the selection, reactions turned sharply negative over the days leading to the Kōhaku, as social media users condemned the choice. Comments such as "It is different to sing this song at Kōhaku" and "Could you not choose another song?" popped up frequently, highlighting the discord among fans and the broader public.
Media reports have pointed to the tumultuous background of the song's creation, deeply tied to Sion Sono, who initially approached Hoshino to write this theme song for the film. Although the original film carried strong themes, it has become overshadowed by Sono's later controversies, particularly accusations made against him which suggested coercive behavior toward female actresses. These events cast doubts on how such works can be presented and celebrated within the public sphere.
Many argue NHK must have known the song's origins and the potential reactions, indicating possible lapses in judgment when they presented Hoshino with the opportunity. Some believe the network was either unaware of the broader issues or underestimated the public's sensitivity surrounding the accusations associated with Sono. Music experts noted, "NHK should have anticipated the backlash this song would generate based on its history," adding depth to the criticism of the show's producers.
The growing outcry led to significant discussions about more than just Hoshino's choice; it raised questions around how entertainment circles navigate sensitive topics, especially concerning current discourse on consent and accountability.
On December 26, NHK took proactive measures by announcing they had decided to change the song selection entirely. Hoshino Gen will now perform "Barabara" from his debut album instead. They stated, "The production team collaborated with both the artist and reflected on the overall composition and direction of the show to arrive at this new decision." NHK stressed they would maintain their stance against sexual misconduct and seek to create performances free of historical baggage.
After the decision was made, Hoshino's fans expressed mixed feelings ranging from relief to disappointment about the song change. This shift clarifies the path forward for the artist amid public scrutiny of his music choices tied to controversial figures. It also signals the sensitive nature surrounding artistic representation and the reflections needed when engaging with works tied to disputed histories.
The incident showcases the delicate rhythm artists must navigate between personal expression and public perception, especially when historical contexts intersect with contemporary issues. It remains to be seen how this incident and others like it will shape the conversation around art, accountability, and the roles of artists and networks moving forward.
While discussion circles around Hoshino Gen's music choices may continue, his new performance will reflect the reality artists often face, requiring them to adapt to societal undercurrents as they express their creativity and share their passions with the public.
