Number_i to make their debut at the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen The leadership of President Takizawa and President Iijima TOBE’s “Number_i” has decided to make its debut at the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, once again drawing attention to the skills of President Hideaki Takizawa (42). “It’s not just Kohaku. TOBE’s seven-member male idol group ‘IMP.’ has been appearing in a series of music specials such as ‘Best Hit Kayosai 2024’ (Nippon TV) and ‘Best Artist 2024’ (Nippon TV). President Takizawa doesn’t show himself publicly, but he is making subtle moves behind the scenes. Even after leaving the former Johnny’s Entertainment, President Takizawa has maintained good relationships with media outlets, including NHK. His efforts have now paid off,” said an idol magazine editor. There is also praise for the remarkable abilities of President Michi Iijima of CULEN, home to “New Smile.” Shingo Katori (47) released his album Circus Funk on November 27, his first in about two years and seven months. The album includes the track “TATOO (feat. Akina Nakamori),” and on November 19, a photo of Katori and Nakamori (59) together was shared on Katori’s X account, causing a huge stir. “It had long been said that collaborating with Akina Nakamori was difficult, but she is now duetting with Shingo Katori on ‘TATOO.’ This is said to have been arranged by President Iijima. However, even President Iijima was uncertain whether a collaboration with Nakamori would actually happen. Despite this, he continued to make offers patiently, and got Nakamori to say, ‘There was no choice but to come when Shingo asked.’ If Katori and Nakamori join ‘Kohaku,’ it is certain to be a huge boost both in terms of attention and ratings,” said a music program staff member.