The 2024 Kohaku Uta Gassen, Japan's annual New Year’s Eve gala, has once again solidified its status as the country's most beloved television event, achieving top viewership ratings for the year. The show aired on December 31, 2023, on NHK, where it recorded impressive ratings, making it the centerpiece of holiday entertainment.
According to Video Research, the second part of the Kohaku Uta Gassen garnered an individual viewership rating of 23.4%, securing the top spot among all televised events for 2024. The first part of the show also performed valiantly, reaching 21.1%. For households, the ratings were even more staggering, with the second part boasting a 32.7% average viewership, eclipsing the previous year’s figures.
The event peaked at 11:44 PM when the excitement was at its height with the announcement of the white team’s victory, leading to a momentary household rating of 35.9%. This time slot was the climax of the show and demonstrated the enduring popularity of this national tradition, which celebrates both music and cultural pride.
Despite the encouraging numbers, there is a notable absence: for four consecutive years, the Kohaku has not crossed the highly coveted 40% viewership threshold. The ratings reflect both enthusiasm and perhaps shifting viewing habits as audiences adapt to newer forms of media consumption.
Following closely behind the Kohaku Gassen, the 100th Tokyo-Hakone University Ekiden race captured the third position with viewership ratings of 17.5% for the comeback segment. The race is renowned for its competitive spirit and has become another staple of New Year’s programming.
The household ratings list also included NHK's coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which secured significant interest from viewers. Several events airing on NHK throughout the year, including sports such as the AFC Asian Cup and Major League Baseball's opening match featuring Shohei Ohtani, were also noted for drawing substantial audiences and highlighting the diversity of programming leading up to the Olympics.
Overall, the Kohaku’s ability to command the top two slots on the year’s ratings chart reinforces its relevance in Japanese culture. While it celebrated yet another successful night, questions remain about its future as viewing behaviors evolve, especially among younger demographics who may opt for digital or on-demand content.
Moving forward, NHK faces the challenge of revitalizing interest and engagement with its heritage programs, as evidenced by the changing rates of viewership. The numbers tell part of the story, and the question of how to connect new generations with longstanding traditions like the Kohaku remains pivotal.
The Kohaku Uta Gassen is more than just entertainment; it is woven deeply within the fabric of Japanese New Year celebrations, uniting families and communities across the nation. It continues to be admired for recognizing established artists and celebrating music's role throughout the last year.