On March 25, 2025, NHK's 'Minna no Best Kohaku Uta Gassen Broadcasting 100th Anniversary Special' took the airwaves, celebrating a century of the revered broadcasting organization and its most beloved program, the Kohaku Uta Gassen. As the nation tuned in, viewers were treated not only to nostalgic performances but also to low-key humor and heartfelt stories from some of the most memorable participants in the show's long history.
This special program was dedicated to honoring the last 75 years of the Kohaku Uta Gassen, an annual highlight that pairs popular artists from Japan against each other in a friendly competition. Each year, the event garners millions of viewers who look forward to seeing their favorite stars, and this year was no exception.
Among the memorable moments was a graduation gag featuring Yoshikawa Hiyori from the idol group 'Cho Tokimeki,' who humorously declared on stage, "I will graduate from Cho Tokimeki!" as part of a comedic setup reminiscent of the unexpected graduation announcements often seen in the idol industry. Following the show's airing, Cho Tokimeki took to their official X (previously Twitter) account to reassure fans, saying, "Please be assured! Hiyorin will not be graduating!" Fans reacted on social media with a mix of amusement and consternation, with comments expressing their surprise and devotion to the idol.
Another highlight of the evening featured the legendary Kitajima Saburo, who has graced the Kohaku stage an impressive 50 times. The segment included a humorous reflection on his experiences, particularly during a memorable performance of 'Kaze Fubuki Nagare Tabi' in 1996, where a powerful discharge of paper confetti nearly left him struggling to breathe. "But this is the beauty of Kohaku. You must not stop. I have to give it my all here, whether it's paper or anything else," Kitajima recounted, eliciting laughter from the audience. His fond reminiscences illuminated the spirit of the show, highlighting the joy and challenges performers face in the spotlight.
Kazunari Ninomiya of the popular group Arashi also shared his reflections. Appearing on the special, he recalled the astonishment he felt when he first learned of the group’s invitation to perform in Kohaku back in 2009. "I felt like I was never really going to perform after so many countdown concerts, so when I was asked if Arashi would perform, I was stunned," he explained. Ninomiya detailed how deeply connected Arashi is to the event, having participated 12 times and even serving as the White Team captain in 2017. During the program, viewers were shown a medley from their debut performance, which included hit songs such as 'A-RA-SHI,' 'Love so sweet,' 'Happiness,' and 'Believe.'
The medley featured a quick costume change, leaving Ninomiya to humorously reveal that the rehearsals for this stunt were fraught with near-mishaps. He shared, "That success or failure could have been the difference between trauma and glory in my life—it was that significant. We almost gave up on it at one point, but we pulled it off beautifully when it mattered most."
With each performance and every story told, the 100th anniversary special of the Kohaku Uta Gassen reminded viewers of the deep cultural impact the show continues to have on Japanese television and music. As artists reflect on their personal journeys, fans resonate with the nostalgia tied to shared experiences, often marking the momentous milestones in their lives against the backdrop of Kohaku.
In celebrating the past, the special reminded everyone that Kohaku is not merely a competition. Rather, it embodies the essence of togetherness, resilience, and talent that has defined Japanese entertainment for a century. Through laughter and heartfelt reflections, the anniversary special left a lasting mark and paved the way for many more memorable moments in the world of music.
