Japan is set to welcome the New Year with great enthusiasm as 2025 approaches, bringing with it exciting television programming and cultural events for families and friends to enjoy together. Various shows and special features are on the schedule to captivate audiences, offering traditional experiences mingled with modern entertainment.
Television specials will kick off the New Year’s celebrations across all major networks, with shows showcasing popular comedians, new trends, and heartfelt traditions. Among the highlights, "Tsurube & Ninety-Nine's A Little Dangerous New Year" returns for its 2025 edition, promising to entertain viewers with humor and nostalgia. This show is part of the legacy of the beloved New Year’s special, "Shimura & Tsurube's Dangerous Encounter," which ran successfully for years until its conclusion.
Hosted by famed comedians Tsurube Shofukutei and the duo Ninety-Nine (Takahiro Okamura and Yuuichi Yabe), the show will feature the much-loved segment called “English Prohibited Bowling,” where the participants are fined for speaking English during the game—leading to hilarious situations. This segment has been popular since 2001 and carries the fun spirit of competition forward.
Scheduled for broadcast at 11:00 PM on January 1, 2025, on ABEMA, the show will feature special guests, including entertainers and sports figures, discussing their unique experiences and challenges. The New Year’s special will captivate audiences with laughter and surprises, captivating both seasoned and new viewers alike.
Meanwhile, culinary traditions will be highlighted, showcasing Japan's exquisite New Year feast, known as osechi ryori. This traditional cuisine seeks to bring good fortune and prosperity for the upcoming year. While the focus is often on beautifully arranged seirashi sushi, there are now fusion variations, combining classic flavors with modern interpretations, increasing popularity among younger audiences.
Notably, traditional sweets, or wagashi, are becoming integrated within new osechi sets, adding color and variety to the table. One example is the wagashi osechi from Shomosuke Dango located in Tokyo, celebrated for its artistry and traditional roots. Their offering features nine different varieties of Japanese sweets, making the New Year’s table not just delicious but also visually appealing, adding joy to family gatherings.
The 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen will also air, wrapping up the old year with performances from renowned artists across genres, providing entertainment for viewers both young and old. With its rich history, this music contest brings families together, creating shared experiences and memories as they gather around the television.
For kids and families, several engaging programs are slated for broadcast. The New Year’s Special, “The Obosan Music New Year Special 2025,” scheduled for January 1 from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, promises heartwarming interviews and insights featuring the cast from various popular films, talent showcases, and the popular film “Namibia’s Desert.” This special celebrates creativity and artistic expression, aiming to connect with younger audiences.
Meanwhile, “KINTAMA” will feature mainstream entertainment acts, such as stunning performances from popular idol groups, enlivening the New Year with festive cheer geared toward younger viewers. Not only will this be entertaining, but also it will reflect the current cultural trends, connecting generations through shared appreciation for the arts.
Food plays a big part during New Year celebrations, and many families will be preparing traditional dishes to enjoy sitting together. The process often includes the creation of special arrangements, such as the new preserved flower kits introduced by floral artist Nikolai Bergman. These kits allow families to craft their unique wreaths for their homes, enriching the celebratory atmosphere with creativity.
Japanese families tend to blend tradition with modern creativity, and this amalgamation is evident during the New Year festivities. By promoting crafts, cultural practices, and culinary delights, the nation gears up for 2025 with reflections of past values integrated with modern expressions.
On another exciting note, the beloved special, "Daifugou!" will continue to entertain young and old alike. This quirky game show invites discussion and reminiscence from the family dining table, as participants compete for prizes through engaging challenges. It’s shows like this one, along with the aforementioned specials, ensuring audiences will not just reflect on the year past but also look forward to the exciting programming available during the days of celebration.
With so much lined up for the New Year, 2025 promises to be filled with laughter, joy, and cherished family moments. Prepare to enjoy the celebrations with loved ones, as Japan's television offers delightful programming perfectly suited for the festive season!
