On January 1, 2025, Japanese television will once again bring families together for the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve specials, showcasing impressive lineups of celebrities and unique entertainment formats. The programs, primarily aired on Fuji TV and TV Tokyo, will feature engaging music trivia quizzes, spirited comedy performances, and trend predictions for the coming year.
Fuji TV is scheduled to kick off the festivities with its long-running quiz show "New Drama Popular Program Quiz! Doremi Fadon New Year Special 3-hour Edition". This lively event, hosted by the beloved MC Nakayama Hideyuki, will feature teams comprised of stars from popular dramas such as "119 Emergency Call" and "Secret – The Top Secret", engaging audiences with music-related challenges. Viewers can expect to see celebrities like Seino Nana, Seto Koji, and Miura Mori participating as the trivia questions test their musical knowledge.
A highlight of the show includes themed karaoke segments where participants sing iconic songs spanning generations, fueled by data from JOYSOUND which has tracked karaoke hits since 1996. It promises to be both nostalgic and electrifying as audiences watch their favorite stars compete not just for fun, but to see who reigns supreme among TV’s finest.
Meanwhile, TV Tokyo will present the comedic talent showcase, "New Year! Comedy Legends Gathering 2025" set to air on January 2, 2025. This star-studded event will feature renowned comedians such as Bakushou Mondai, Sandwich Man, and Knights, all performing at the iconic Tokyo’s Asa-Kusa Engei Hall. The mix includes M-1 champions and fresh young acts from across the comedy spectrum, ensuring laughs are plentiful.
Participants will present various forms of comedy including skits and stand-up, along with collaborations between established giants and promising newcomers. Notably, legendary comedian Yamada Kuniko will make waves with exclusive material aimed at bringing back the spirit of nostalgia from the Showa era. A unique segment honoring vintage footage of historical comedy acts promises to enrich viewers' experience, presenting much-loved icons from Japan’s rich comedic heritage.
Adding to the fun, the special will feature unexpected acts such as magician Maggy Shirou teaming up with actress Shinkawa Yuai, showcasing their collaborative talents live on stage. This event is crafted to entertain across age groups, ensuring every viewer finds delight and laughter.
Another intriguing feature of the lineup is Fuji TV’s trend-predicting segment, "This Will Trend!" airing on December 31, promising insights from celebrities and street interviews about what items are likely to capture public interest come 2025. This program will be co-hosted by Iinari Kaihiko and Kashiwagi Yuki, making it their first co-appearance. Presenters will include popular characters from Japanese films and pop culture, all eager to forecast the year’s trends.
Each presenter will pitch their chosen item or phenomenon expected to rise to fame, with discussions on why these trends might be embraced. This engaging format not only entertains but informs viewers, enabling them to stay one step ahead of the cultural curve.
With 2025 promising to spotlight intriguing social phenomena, the hosts’ remarks throughout the specials hint at diverse societal shifts reflected through entertainment. From beloved songs of the past to modern trends, audiences are set for vibrant celebrations filled with laughter and insights.
New Year’s Eve television specials have become integral to Japanese culture, creating spaces for families to gather and celebrate traditions together. The level of excitement surrounding these events suggests nothing less than the ultimate blend of entertainment, laughter, learning, and nostalgia.
Mark the calendars for January 1 and 2, as Japan’s finest comedians and celebrities come together to create unforgettable television moments for audiences across the nation to enjoy. Whether it's through the heartwarming nostalgia of classic performances or the anticipation of upcoming trends, these specials are sure to captivate all and set the tone for the New Year.
