On December 31, the 75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen will grace television screens, showcasing some of the most talented artists from Japan. This year, the event features the debut of the girls' group ME:I, which emerged from the survival audition show 'PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS.' During rehearsals on December 28, ME:I mesmerized audiences with their vibrant performance of 'Click' as they showcased their individual styles.
Focusing on their preparation for the grand event, MOMONA, the leader of ME:I, shared, "We always dreamed of participating in the Kouhaku. Achieving this goal just after one year is surreal! I believe the real feeling will hit us on the day of the event. It's all thanks to our fans and those who support us; we aim to deliver the best performance as a show of our gratitude."
The excitement among the group members was palpable, as RINON expressed, "Being the first performers adds to our thrill! We feel nervous but also delighted to connect with many people through our debut song 'Click.'" Meanwhile, RAN discussed her participation in the traditional kendama challenge at the event, noting her history with the toy and her determination to perform well, stating, "I've practiced it since childhood; I just hope my hands don’t shake too much from nerves!"
ME:I's enthusiasm didn't wane even after their appearance at the COUNTDOWN JAPAN festival earlier the same day. MOMONA mentioned, "The energy we get from music wipes away any fatigue. Every performance gives us more spirit to keep going!" KOKONA, another member, shared her reflections on the past year, saying, "This year has transformed my life completely; I want to encapsulate it with the character '勢,' which reflects our momentum and passion as we embrace new opportunities."
While ME:I ready themselves for the Kouhaku, as the night before approached with numerous performances scattered across Tokyo, another highlight to expect was the Asia Artist Awards (AAA), which honored the K-pop group NewJeans with significant accolades. On December 27, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Bangkok, the group was celebrated with multiple awards including 'Best Artist' and 'Song of the Year'. With this win, they became the first group ever to achieve three consecutive AAA Grand Prizes.
The group expressed their heartfelt gratitude during their acceptance speech, reflecting on their meteoric rise. "We are so thankful for the love and support from our fans, Bunnies. Being with you makes every moment special!" Their comments recorded their joy of performing alongside other notable artists at the end-of-year event.
Adding to their busy schedule, NewJeans will also be performing on various other platforms including Japan's television network as well as participating in year-end festivals, enhancing their visibility and presence.
This year’s Kouhaku and AAA celebrations highlight the growing influence of Japanese and K-pop artists on the global stage, leaving fans eager for performances filled with electrifying talent. Both events showcase not only the level of talent within these groups but also their commitment to expressing gratitude through music. Enthusiasm is high as artists take the stage, driven by both competitiveness and camaraderie.
Fans around the world are watching eagerly, as many of these performances mark significant milestones for the artists involved. The blending of traditional Japanese fare and contemporary global influences promises to deliver memorable moments for audiences near and far.
