As is often the case, the Kohaku Utagassen serves as a mirror of Japanese society and this year’s edition was no exception. Reflecting the realities of an aging population, the show highlighted this demographic shift, particularly through the white team, which prominently featured older male singers. While this trend has been evident in recent years, this year’s show accentuated it…

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The 2023 74th edition of the show was remarkable not only for the spectacle it presented but also for its noteworthy outcome. This year, the Red Team (Akagumi) represented by women, secured a resounding victory with margins unseen in recent years. Although the show proved entertaining, it lacked many standout moments. However, the simplicity of the production was its allure….

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The 2022 73rd edition of Kohaku Utagassen was rather disappointing and boring in many respects. After three years the show returned fully to NHK Hall as an in-person event and it seems as if the organizers have lost the notion of what such event should entail. With plain and simple stages that looked rather cheap and a lack of overall…

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