NHK’s Next Host for Declining Kohaku Uta Gassen Likely to Be a Popular Comedian

On the verge of its second consecutive year with the worst viewer ratings

The year-end national TV program “NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen” is approaching a critical moment.

Last year’s broadcast of the “74th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen” recorded its worst ratings since its debut, with the first half achieving a 29% household average and the second half reaching 31.9% (according to Video Research, Kanto region). The first half even dropped below the defensive line of 30%. An NHK insider explains:

“Following last year’s results, there are concerns within NHK about the possibility of recording the worst ratings for two consecutive years. If that happens, there may be discussions about a major renewal of the program’s content. The key to the ratings lies in the participating artists, but just as important is the host lineup. This year, four names have been announced: announcer Natsuko Suzuki (42), actress Kanna Hashimoto (25), actress Sairi Ito (30) who is hosting for the first time, and Hiroyuki Ariyoshi (50), who is returning for the second time after last year.”

While the host lineup seems solid, NHK’s higher-ups are reportedly troubled.

“There is a viewer segment that dislikes Ariyoshi. While he is popular among the core audience (aged 13-49), his sharp-tongued style of comedy isn’t well-received by viewers in their late 50s and older, a demographic that Kohaku particularly values. While the potential viewership for Hashimoto and Ito in this age group is about 8%—a high number—Ariyoshi’s potential is about half that, in the 4% range.”