Selected for the third year in a row! NHK’s Aim” in Hiroshi Oizumi’s Appointment as “Kohaku” Host

The host for this year’s “Kohaku Uta Gassen” has been announced again and is attracting a great deal of attention.

While Kanna Hashimoto (23) was chosen for the first time as the host of the red group, Hiroshi Oizumi (39) was chosen for the third consecutive year as the host of the white group, and together with NHK announcer Maho Kuwako (35) and Sho Sakurai (40), who will serve as special navigator, will make the 73rd year end tradition come to life.

The host of “Kohaku” tends to be selected based on his or her contribution to NHK that year. Mr. Oizumi has been responsible for the music program “SONGS” since 2018. In addition, this year he passionately played the key role of Minamoto no Yoritomo in the historical drama “Kamakuradono no 13-nin. It is a convincing choice.

Oizumi’s performance record is impeccable. However, there are only a few TV personalities who have hosted the white team for three consecutive years in “Kohaku”. The only two other non-announcers who have done so are Masaaki Sakai (76) and Yuzo Kayama (85). In terms of contributions this year, Shun Oguri (39), who starred in “Kamakura-dono,” is second to none. Even in such a situation, what was the reason for NHK’s insistence on Oizumi? It is said that there is “a hidden purpose” behind it.

The reason why Mr. Oizumi was chosen is, of course, based on his ability and name recognition, but there are other factors as well,” said Mr. Hashimoto. But there is another factor, too. However, there is another factor, and that is the casting rights of big-name artists through their offices. Amuse, where Mr. Oizumi is from, is a member of “Southern All Stars,” “Perfume,” “PORNO GRAFFITTI,” and Masaharu Fukuyama (53), among others.

Kohaku” has struggled in recent years, with the second part broadcast last year recording the lowest viewer rating ever. Various efforts are being made to regain popularity, but it is the casting of famous artists that directly affects viewer ratings. In fact, in 2020, Oizumi’s first year as host, Mr. Kuwata (Keisuke Kuwata, 66) appeared in a VTR and attracted a great deal of attention, and it is said that behind his selection for the third consecutive year is NHK’s desire to use a big-name artist.

In announcing his appointment as host, Oizumi said, “I hope to enjoy the Kohaku in a free and free style!　I will aim for a free, freewheeling Kohaku without worrying about the time, etc.! I will aim for a free, freewheeling Kohaku without worrying about the time, etc.! With Oizumi, who is both popular and talented, as host, and the appointment of a big-name musician, it is certain that we will not be able to take our eyes off this year’s “Kohaku”.