The 75th iteration of NHK's annual Kohaku Uta Gassen, broadcast on New Year's Eve, saw fluctuated ratings and remarks on its format and performances.
This iconic Japanese music competition showcased singers from diverse backgrounds, including K-Pop acts like TWICE and ILLIT, marking their continued influence. Overall, the event received mixed reviews, with average household ratings recorded at 29.0% for the first part and 32.7% for the second part—a slight increase from the previous year, according to data from Video Research for the Kanto region.
While the show avoided setting new low records, its ratings did not indicate a strong recovery, raising concerns about the Kohaku's ability to maintain its significance amid changing audience preferences. Notably, the absence of former Johnny's artists shifted the dynamics this year, pushing the spotlight onto other genres and performers.
Among the highlights was the surprise debut of legendary rock duo B'z, who treated viewers to their songs and surprised many with their energetic performance of "LOVE PHANTOM" and "ultra soul." Having declined to participate on previous occasions due to their policy of taking breaks during the New Year, their appearance raised eyebrows. Reports indicated NHK had been pursuing them for years, and this time, the allure of performing the theme song for the morning drama "Onigiri" convinced them to finally join the lineup.
B'z's lead vocalist, Koshi Iida, and guitarist Takahiro Matsumoto dazzled the NHK Hall audience under live performance conditions, making their participation particularly impactful and memorable. Their collaboration brought attention and respect back to the event, but some critics saw their performance as overshadowed by the overall chaotic structure of the show.
TV columnist Tamami Hiyama highlighted the juxtaposition of younger performers with musical legends, stating, "While this year's lineup felt more enjoyable than the previous year, there was still this overwhelming push to cater to every age group, making the experience feel less like singing contest and more like a dance competition."
Media culture critic Hiroyoshi Usui echoed similar sentiments, expressing concerns about the blurred identity of the show. Despite the apparent diversity presented through the theme "Songs for You," he criticized the production's approach, stating it seemed overly fixated on simply filling the time rather than curbing its creative aspirations.
Usui noted, "The show, with its cacophony of genres including Japanese enka and nostalgic hits meshed together, appeared to lack depth. It has strayed considerably from its original purpose as a song contest, stirring doubts about its present-day relevance." Critics pointed toward the concluding assessments of the competitors, often lacking clarity about criteria or expectations.
Interestingly, many renowned performers like Koji Tamaki also participated, yet there was ambiguity whether these acts were categorized within special slots. Hiyama remarked on strange elements such as games introduced mid-show, distracting from the music itself, which only added to the discontent surrounding how the tradition and presentation were managed.
Despite the criticisms, one positive aspect recognized by Usui was the absence of overt promotional pushes for events like the Osaka Expo, likening their survival to having only "one skin left to cling on to." This reflects the show's complex evolution - balancing tradition with modernization.
A definitive controversy arose concerning the three-member group Number_i after their performance, which sparked backlash directed at the cosmetics brand Reiju, whose social media account was criticized for inflammatory comments about the group, labeling their performance as "ear and eye rot". Such disparaging remarks led to speculation and resulted in Reiju announcing their business dissolution following widespread condemnation.
Usui stated, "While various performances contributed to the kaleidoscope of experiences, the overarching regard for performers seemed diminished, and live music was far less prevalent than before. It may be necessary to re-examine the core values of Kohaku as it progresses toward its centenary event."
Overall, the 75th Kohaku Uta Gassen showcased the coexistence of tradition and novelty, attracting audiences yet sparking discussions about its future direction. The celebration captured both the joy of performances and the challenges of adapting to modern entertainment landscapes, leaving its long-term relevance up for reflection.