On January 2, it was revealed the average household viewership rating of the second part of NHK's 75th Kōhaku Uta Gassen, broadcast live on New Year's Eve, was 32.7% for the Kanto region, as per Video Research. This marked the second-worst rating following the record-low figures of 2023. Despite the decline, the event generated considerable buzz, particularly with B'z's surprise performance, fostering many positive reactions online.
Notably, actress Kanna Hashimoto, who currently stars as the heroine in the NHK morning drama "Omusubi," received acclaim for her hosting skills during the program. The show featured co-hosts Takashi Ariyoshi and announcer Naho Suzuki, alongside the first-time hosts, actresses Sairi Ito and Hashimoto. Though Ito experienced occasional slip-ups, she was praised for her freshness, whereas Hashimoto, continuing for the third year, displayed remarkable stability and poise.
The luxurious attire worn by Hashimoto, with dresses and accessories valued at several millions of yen, also captured the audience's imagination.
Meanwhile, discussions about the 2025 New Year's Kōhaku Uta Gassen are already heating up online, with predictions of actress Mizuki Imada stepping up as the host. Tweets speculated about the potential pairing of Imada and Hashimoto, backed by their roles as lead actresses in upcoming dramas commencing April 2025.
Concerns were raised about Imada's capabilities compared to her predecessor Hashimoto, highlighting her lesser experience as compared to seasoned NHK announcers. Nevertheless, both women carry the weight of their successful drama performances, setting the stage for what could be another exciting Kōhaku.
At the 75th Kōhaku, singer-songwriter Iruka made her return to the stage after 32 years, performing "Nagori Yuki" - the same beloved song she sang during her previous Kōhaku appearance. The track resonates with the theme of young lovers parting as spring approaches and has remained popular across generations, finding its way even to school textbooks.
Iruka attributed the song's enduring success to the collective talent behind it, which includes songwriting by Masahiro Ise and arrangement by the renowned Masataka Matsutoya, who had never arranged another artist's piece before this one. The brilliant arrangement mirrors the imagery of drifting snow, beautifully setting the stage for the emotional depth of the song.
During her interview with Nikkan Sports, Iruka reflected on her collaborative experience with legendary musicians during the original recording, highlighting the historical significance of their artistry and its impact on the music scene.
Chiharu Matsuyama, another celebrated artist, shared his love for the Kōhaku during his live radio appearance, reflecting on his childhood views of the show and expressing appreciation for the diverse musical acts featured over the years.
With talks of potential new hosts for the upcoming Kōhaku and discussions around the performances of returning artists, the excitement for future events remains vibrant as fans reflect on the nostalgia and artistry brought forth by this 75th Kōhaku Uta Gassen.