Akina Nakamori? Eikichi Yazawa? — Bold Predictions for NHK Kōhaku’s Mega Headliners and Surprise Acts This Year!

From last year’s “K-POP Festival” to “Two-generation Family Appeal”

As autumn deepens, attention turns to the lineup of this year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen. Last year, Part 1 recorded an average household rating of 29.0%, falling below the often-cited minimum benchmark of 30%. In an effort to restore NHK’s flagship national entertainment program, the production team is devoting its full energy to securing headline artists and surprise segments. An NHK insider reveals:

“This year, the chief producer of Uta Con is serving as the producer for Kōhaku. Uta Con is a music show targeted mainly at viewers in their 60s and 70s. Based on the poor reception of last year’s ‘K-POP festival,’ NHK leadership is expressing a desire to ‘increase Japanese popular songs that appeal to two generations of families.’”

One of this year’s centerpiece plans is the return of artists from the former Johnny’s agency.

“Due to the sexual abuse scandal involving the late Johnny Kitagawa, their participation was halted for the past two years. But ratings dropped significantly without them. Therefore, this year they plan to lift the ban and allow former Johnny’s artists to return for the first time in three years.

At present, offers have been extended to two groups: Snow Man, known in the industry as the ratings king, and timelesz, who are expected to attract strong streaming traffic. As for SixTONES, it will likely be difficult because member Jesse (29) was reported to be dating the show’s host, Haruka Ayase (40)” (Another NHK insider)

Beyond former Johnny’s acts, negotiations are underway behind the scenes with several major artists. At the top of the list is Hikaru Utada (42).

“Utada has not appeared on Kōhaku since 2016, when they appeared from London via live link. NHK has approached them every year, but they have consistently declined. However, this year, the song JANE DOE, written and composed by Kenshi Yonezu (34) and sung by Utada, was released. NHK is reportedly trying to bring Utada on board by proposing a plan for them to sing the song together with Yonezu from overseas.

Eikichi Yazawa (76), who celebrates his 50th anniversary as a solo artist this year, also saw his song Shinjitsu, the theme for the summer drama The Last Appraiser (Fuji TV), generate buzz. It is his first drama theme song in 28 years. Even if it’s via remote appearance, NHK would definitely want him to perform. Others who may appear include Tatsuro Yamashita (72) and Miyuki Nakajima (73), both celebrating their 50th anniversaries; Motoharu Sano (69) at 45 years; Toshinobu Kubota (63) at 40 years; and Noriyuki Makihara (56) at 35 years.” (Major record label executive)

Seiko Matsuda (63) and Akina Nakamori (60), two legendary idols, are perfect targets for this year’s Kōhaku.

“Nakamori made a long-awaited stage comeback in April this year at an outdoor music festival in Oita, her first performance in 16 years. Shortly before that, NHK had already set things up by streaming past NHK performances under the title Akina Nakamori: Best Performance on NHK. Meanwhile, Matsuda celebrates her 45th anniversary this year and appeared on an NHK music special in June. There is a possibility that the dream collaboration between Matsuda and Nakamori may finally come true.” (Same source)

This year also marks 100 years of broadcast culture and 80 years since the end of the war, and related projects are being prepared.

“A plan has emerged to invite Tetsuko Kuroyanagi (92), the first person to ever appear on Japanese television, as a special guest, and have all performers sing anti-war songs such as Hibari Misora’s Ippon no Enpitsu.

For the annual memorial tribute segment, it is almost certain they will feature Shigeo Nagashima (d. 89). If the classic Hateshinai Yume o, which he once participated in as a guest vocalist, is performed by those close to him—such as baseball commentators Kiyoshi Nakahata (71), Tatsunori Hara (67), and Sadaharu Oh (85)—the entire nation would be moved.” (Programming executive at a key station)

Japanese idol groups, overshadowed last year by K-POP acts, will attempt a comeback this year.

“FRUITS ZIPPER, who won the Excellent Work Award at last year’s Japan Record Awards, is almost certain to appear. However, it will likely be in a medley together with other groups from the same agency, such as CANDY TUNE, whose song Baibai FIGHT! was a hit, and CUTIE STREET, known for their song Kawaii dake ja dame desu ka?” (Same source)

The much-anticipated final act

The biggest highlight of Kōhaku is the artist who performs last.

“For the red team, the top candidate is Perfume, who announced they will suspend activities by the end of the year. When they first appeared in 2008 with ‘Polyrhythm,’ they were the first performers in the second half. Since this year will be their final appearance, it seems a dramatic staging is being considered in which they sing ‘Polyrhythm’ or their famous song ‘STAR TRAIN’ in the final slot.

For the white team, the final act will likely be Arashi. Arashi will end their activities with a concert tour scheduled for spring 2026. If they appear, this year is their last chance. It’s said that an offer has already been made for them to be the final act. However, leader Satoshi Ohno (44) is reportedly hesitant, and negotiations may continue until the very last moment,” said the NHK associate.

And as this year’s biggest surprise, the name of a huge international artist has surfaced.

“Taylor Swift (35). The Japan edition of her new album The Life of a Showgirl will be released in December. In the U.S., it sold 4 million copies in its first week—a legendary album—and rumors are circulating about a Japan tour timed with the domestic release. There’s a chance she could make a surprise appearance,” the source said.

Expectations only continue to rise, but—?

From the November 7, 2025 issue of “FRIDAY”