Kanna Hashimoto Hosting NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen for the Third Year Hints at a Big-Name Artist’s Debut

The time has come, it’s Showtime!

On October 11, NHK announced that the hosts for the 75th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on New Year’s Eve will be Hiroiki Ariyoshi (50), actress Kanna Hashimoto (25), Sairi Itō (30), and NHK announcer Nahoko Suzuki (42).

Hashimoto, who stars in the current NHK morning drama Omusubi, will team up with Itō, the lead in the 2024 first-half NHK morning drama Tora ni Tsubasa. This collaboration between two Asadora heroines is generating buzz.

Hashimoto shared her excitement about hosting on her social media platform X:

“Thank you for allowing me to host the Kōhaku Uta Gassen for the third consecutive year. No matter how many times I stand on this grand stage, I never get used to it. I’ll channel my nerves into energy and enjoy the experience while making sure everyone else enjoys it too! I look forward to it!”

Fans on social media expressed their joy over Hashimoto’s appearance:

“Hashimoto Kanna-chan and Itō Sairi-chan hosting Kōhaku…!! The heroines of Tora ni Tsubasa and Omusubi together, from the first and second half of the year’s Asadora, that’s awesome!”

“Hashimoto Kanna-chan hosting Kōhaku!! I love her so much, she’s the best in the world, number one!!”

“The Kōhaku hosts are Hashimoto Kanna and Itō Sairi, the Asadora heroines! Looks like we’ll have a bright New Year’s Eve.”

There’s also growing anticipation for something bigger:

“With Kanna Hashimoto hosting, does that mean there’s a chance for a first-time appearance? #KōhakuUtaGassen #Bz”

“Could B’z make an appearance since Kanna Hashimoto is hosting Kōhaku???”

“I’ll definitely watch if B’z performs, or if a cat crashes the show.”