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

Underwater 3-year contract

It seems that NHK had considered the fact that Ariyoshi is unpopular with viewers in their 50s and older when casting him. So why did NHK decide to use him for two consecutive years?

“Apparently, during the negotiations with Ariyoshi, the condition was set that he would host for three consecutive years. His schedule around New Year’s Eve, including rehearsal days, had already been secured, making it difficult for them to avoid using him. However, if the ratings continue to hit new lows this year, it’s unlikely they would bring him back next year,” said an advertising agency insider.

So, who could be the host to attract better ratings? An insider from a production company revealed that within NHK, “Sandwich Man” is being quietly pushed as a potential replacement.

“Mikio Date (50) and Takeshi Tomizawa (50) have a strong positive image with senior audiences, and their potential viewership is both over 10%. This year’s Kohaku is likely to feature songs that commemorate the late Toshiyuki Nishida (76) and those related to the Great East Japan Earthquake, such as ‘If I Could Play the Piano’ and ‘Flowers Will Bloom,’ which has become a song of support for the recovery efforts. NHK is expected to involve ‘Sandwich Man’ in that segment, as they have ties to the Tohoku region. If ‘Sandwich Man’ delivers in terms of ratings, they could become the next viable candidate to replace Ariyoshi.”

Whether Ariyoshi will continue as the host next year or whether the most liked duo will take over, the ratings this year will likely hold the key.