The 76th edition of Kōhaku Uta Gassen was overall pleasantly entertaining. This year, there was a clear sense of planning and strategy that consistently came through in the production. Framed around the theme of 100 years of broadcasting, the show maintained a coherent tone while continuing its customary reflection of society. Although the first hour suggested a potentially disappointing evening, the program gradually gained momentum steadily and almost relentlessly increasing its level of entertainment toward the end.

The White Team (Shirogumi) ultimately took the win supported by carefully delivered safe performances grounded in consolidated talent. With less emphasis on appealing to older audiences, the men instead targeted a more contemporary sensibility infused with a thoughtful dose of nostalgia. Unlike the Red Team (Akagumi), their momentum was built primarily in the second half of the show, where their determination to claim the crown became clear through performances by Vaundy, Sakanaction, back number, Kubota Toshinobu and the impeccable special performance by Hoshino Gen. Hikawa Kiyoshi as always contributed a strong moment with a moving cover of Misora Hibari in a duet with her. Other standout moments were delivered by Fukuyama Masaharu, notably his collaboration with Inaba Kōji, as well as his solo performance.

The Red Team on the other hand focused more heavily on emerging talent, with only a limited use of nostalgia. While they did not secure enough points to win the competition, they undoubtedly won the hearts of many viewers. Their performances were consistently strong throughout the show. Illit set the tone early with something visually and musically appealing, followed by Nogizaka46 who demonstrated a clear sense of maturity. This momentum was further built upon by Ikuta Rira, aespa and Aina The End, leading to a pivotal moment with AKB48 featuring its core members, reminding audiences of what once made the group exceptional. At that point, the Red Team seemed poised to take the lead, especially as attention intensified with HANA, whose performance felt remarkably forward-looking and showcased undeniable talent. Chanmina, their creator, then validated that vision. Ai Miyon was as always impeccable, but from that point onward the team’s fortunes began to decline.

Perfume’s appearance, which felt like a quiet disappearance into oblivion made uncomfortably explicit on camera did not sit well. A sense of bitterness and the impression that they may never truly return from their hiatus was difficult to ignore. This marked the turning point where the atmosphere began to shift negatively for the women. It wasn’t that the men were performing better at that stage, but they avoided creating conflict and that restraint ultimately worked in their favor. Misia’s appearance, while technically solid, felt more symbolic than competitive, an assumed performance that was never going to secure a win. It is always surprising how somebody whose presence often correlates with a team’s loss continues to appear in such a crucial slot. From there, the white elephant entered the room.

The ending felt deeply uncomfortable, palpably so and impossible to ignore. It was a moment many would have preferred to avoid altogether, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Matsuda Seiko took the stage for a special performance, prompting unavoidable questions. Why was this necessary? Why invite somebody who is widely perceived as bearing partial responsibility for her daughter’s suicide to perform? Why place a supposedly grieving mother on stage to deliver a cheerful song? While grief should not last forever, the very least to expect in such circumstances is a withdrawal from the public eye. For better or worse and regardless of how she personally processes the loss of her daughter, respect alone should compel her to step away and retire.

All things considered this was a good show, a show that could have been better had the Red Team not experimented with conflict or ventured into controversy. In the end, the viewers delivered a clear and unquestionable verdict.