Back to Basics: Behind the Scenes of Kōhaku Singer Selection

Articles reporting on the possibility of barter deals

In the end, only Leon Niihama secured the ticket for his first appearance, but music critics say it was a well-deserved selection.

“His new song ‘Subete Ageyo’ was produced by Noritake Kinashi, with lyrics and composition by George Tokoro. On November 22, Tokoro received the Composition Award at the ’66th Glorious! Japan Record Awards.’ Additionally, contribution is an important factor in being selected as a ‘Kōhaku singer.’ In this regard, Niihama is a regular on shows like ‘Nodo Jiman’ and ‘Uta Con,’ and this year, his cover of Hideki Saijou’s ‘Kizu Darake no Laura’ on ‘SONGS’ became a major topic of discussion,” said a music critic.

Considering the contribution factor, the names of Kenshi Yonezu (33), who was in charge of the theme song for the first half of the morning drama Tora ni Tsubasa, and B’z, who are in charge of the theme song for the latter half of the morning drama Omusubi, have not yet been announced.

“Every year, ‘Kōhaku’ announces big-name singers in December as a surprise, so the participation of these two groups is said to be certain. In fact, Niihama and ‘B’z’ are from the same agency, and Niihama’s first appearance on ‘SONGS’ (NHK) was as a guest on an episode featuring Takahiro Matsumoto (63) as the main guest.

Because of this, some articles reported that Niihama’s selection might be a barter deal, but that is completely unfounded. ‘Subete Ageyo’ has ranked in the top ten of the Oricon enka and kayō rankings for 33 weeks, and has reached number one five times,” said the same critic.

Kiyoshi Hikawa will also appear in a special slot, and regulars like Hiromi Go (69), Junretsu, Keisuke Yamauchi (41), and Hiroshi Miyama (44) are also on the list. In the red team, Sayuri Ishikawa (66), who has appeared 47 times, and Fuyumi Sakamoto (57), with 36 appearances, are included. Yoshimi Tendo (70), with 29 appearances, and Kaori Mizumori (51), who always surprises with her costumes, will make her 22nd appearance. For the older generation, who are the main audience for Kōhaku, these choices are definitely more pleasing.

Depending on the reception of this year’s Kōhaku, it’s possible that next year we could see a significant increase in enka and kayōkyoku singers.