The long-running Japanese music spectacle, NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, returns for its 75th edition. Broadcasting live from NHK Hall in Tokyo, this year’s event carries the theme “A Song for You” and will showcase 41 performers across its Red and White teams.
The night will feature a mix of veteran artists and 2024’s biggest stars, including debut performances from 8 acts, including ILLIT, tuki., and ME:I for the Red Team (women), and Creepy Nuts, Omoinotake, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) for the White Team (men). Returning performers include Sayuri Ishikawa, making her remarkable 47th appearance, along with the likes of Sakurazaka46, Sheena Ringo, Superfly, GLAY, Fujii Kaze, Vaundy, and many more. Additionally, enka legend Kiyoshi Hikawa will make a special comeback performance outside the traditional team format.
Following last year’s “Borderless” edition, anticipation for this year’s show is at an all-time high. The 74th event gained international attention with YOASOBI’s viral performance of ‘Idol’, featuring Sakurazaka46, JO1, Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, NewJeans, and more, alongside host Kanna Hashimoto and dance groups Avantgardey and REAL AKIBA BOYZ.
In October, NHK announced that this year’s hosts include comedian Hiroiki Ariyoshi, actress Kanna Hashimoto, actress Sairi Ito, and NHK announcer Naoko Suzuki.
The event, taking place on December 31st at 7:20 PM JST, will air domestically on NHK’s channels NHK G, BS Premium 4K, BS8K, and NHK Radio 1, with live streaming on NHK Plus and Rajiru★Rajiru.
First-time Kōhaku performers you need to know
tuki.
Singer-songwriter tuki., at just 15, made history as the youngest Japanese solo artist to surpass 100 million streams with her 2023 breakout hit ‘Bansanka’. With her debut album ’15’ dropping in early 2025, tuki. brings fresh energy to the Kōhaku stage.
ME:I
Formed through Produce 101 Japan Season 3, ME:I burst onto the scene in April 2024 with their Platinum-certified debut single ‘MIRAI’, which topped the Japanese charts.
ILLIT
Debuting in March 2024, South Korean girl group ILLIT quickly gained global attention with their hit single ‘Magnetic’. Member MOKA, who grew up in Japan, described performing at Kōhaku as “a childhood dream come true”.
Creepy Nuts
Hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts cap a breakout 2024 with their Kōhaku debut. Known for sharp lyricism and addictive production, they described the chance to perform on such a legendary stage as “a true honor”.
Omoinotake
Known for heartfelt tracks like ‘EVERBLUE’, this three-member band started busking in Shibuya before climbing the charts. Their Kōhaku debut is a hard-earned milestone in a journey spanning more than a decade.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)
The internationally acclaimed K-pop boy band makes their first appearance at Kōhaku. Member Taehyun expressed their excitement, promising a performance worthy of the occasion.
About NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen
First broadcast in 1951, NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen (Which translates to the Red and White Singing Contest in English) divides its performers into two teams: the Red Team (female artists and groups with female vocals) and the White Team (male artists and groups with male vocals). Over the course of the evening, the two teams compete through a series of performances, with the winning team determined by votes from the audience, judges, and viewers at home.
Beyond the competition aspect, Kōhaku is regarded as a year-end celebration of Japanese music and culture, often including special collaborations, theatrical performances, and appearances by iconic figures in the industry. A highlight of many artists’ careers, performing on Kōhaku is considered a mark of success and recognition within Japan’s entertainment world.
The 75th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen full performer line-up
| Red Team | Appearance | White Team | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| aiko | 15 | Omoinotake | 1 |
| Aimyon | 6 | Creepy Nuts | 1 |
| ILLIT | 1 | GLAY | 4 |
| Sayuri Ishikawa | 47 | Hiromi Go | 37 |
| Iruka | 2 | Kocchi no Kento | 1 |
| HY | 3 | THE ALFEE | 2 |
| Fuyumi Sakamoto | 36 | JO1 | 3 |
| Sakurazaka46 | 4 | Junretsu | 7 |
| Sheena Ringo | 9 | Da-iCE | 1 |
| Superfly | 8 | TOMORROW X TOGETHER | 1 |
| Mariko Takahashi | 6 | Number_i | 1 |
| tuki. | 1 | Niihama Leon | 1 |
| Yoshimi Tendo | 29 | Vaundy | 2 |
| TWICE | 5 | BE:FIRST | 3 |
| Nogizaka46 | 10 | Masaharu Fukuyama | 17 |
| ME:I | 1 | Fujii Kaze | 3 |
| MISIA | 9 | Gen Hoshino | 10 |
| Kaori Mizumori | 22 | Mrs. GREEN APPLE | 2 |
| Ryokuoushoku Shakai | 3 | Kosetsu Minami | 6 |
| LE SSERAFIM | 3 | Hiroshi Miyama | 10 |
| Keisuke Yamauchi | 10 |
