Kouhaku 2025: Dive into Japan’s Iconic New Year’s Music Battle
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the heartbeat of Japanese culture, there’s no better way than tuning into the 紅白歌合戦 (Kouhaku Uta Gassen), Japan’s legendary New Year’s Eve music show. As NHK unveiled the full lineup for the 第76回NHK紅白歌合戦 (Dai 76 Kai NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen) on December 19, 2025, excitement is building for an event that’s more than just a concert—it’s a cultural celebration uniting generations. For language learners like you, this isn’t just entertainment; it’s a window into authentic Japanese expressions, modern slang, and the vibrant world of J-Pop and traditional music. Let’s dive into what’s happening at Kouhaku 2025 and how you can learn from it!
What to Expect at Kouhaku 2025
Mark your calendars for December 31, 2025, from 7:20 PM to 11:45 PM, when the 紅白歌合戦 (Kouhaku Uta Gassen) will air on NHK General and other channels. This 76th edition promises a spectacular mix of veteran performers and rising stars. Imagine the energy as King & Prince teams up with Mickey and Minnie Mouse for their song What We Got ～奇跡はきみと～ (Kiseki wa Kimi to), or the raw emotion of LiSA performing 残酷な夜に輝け (Zankoku na Yoru ni Kagayake), the theme for the latest Demon Slayer movie, with breathtaking visuals.
You’ll also see iconic artists like 久保田利伸 (Kubota Toshinobu) returning after 35 years to 披露 (hirou, perform) a メドレー (medorē, medley) of classics like "Missing" and "LA・LA・LA LOVE SONG" とともに (to tomo ni, together with) a brand-new track. Meanwhile, 天童よしみ (Tendo Yoshimi) will join idol groups FRUITS ZIPPER and CANDY TUNE in a unique dance コラボ (korabo, collaboration) featuring ミャクミャク (Myaku-Myaku), the quirky mascot of the Kansai Expo. From nostalgic ヒット曲 (hitto kyoku, hit songs) to innovative performances, Kouhaku 2025 captures the diversity of Japanese entertainment.
Cultural Context: Why Kouhaku Matters
The 紅白歌合戦 (Kouhaku Uta Gassen)—literally "Red and White Song Battle"—is a New Year’s Eve tradition dating back to 1951. It features two teams, Red (women) and White (men), competing through performances, with viewers and judges crowning a winner. But it’s more than a music show; it’s a snapshot of Japan’s year, showcasing top J-Pop idols, enka singers, and even international acts like aespa in 2025. Families often gather to watch it on 大晦日 (Omisoka, the last day of the year) while enjoying 年越しそば (toshikoshi soba), buckwheat noodles symbolizing longevity.
Characters like ミャクミャク (Myaku-Myaku), with its surreal design, highlight Japan’s love for mascots tied to major events like the Kansai Expo. These elements, alongside Kouhaku, reflect the shared joy and nostalgia of Japanese celebrations. For learners, watching or even discussing this event offers a direct connection to how Japanese people mark milestones through music and community.
Learn Japanese from This Article
Kouhaku isn’t just a show—it’s a goldmine for learning real Japanese. You’ll hear formal greetings from veteran artists, casual banter from hosts, and energetic slang from younger idols. Let’s break down some key vocabulary and grammar to help you navigate this cultural phenomenon.
Key Vocabulary
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 紅白歌合戦 | Kouhaku Uta Gassen | Red and White Song Battle (NHK's New Year's Eve music show) |
| 出場 | shutsujou | participation, appearance (in a competition or event) |
| 披露 | hirou | presentation, performance (of a skill or art) |
| メドレー | medorē | medley (a mix of songs performed together) |
| コラボ | korabo | collaboration (slang abbreviation of 'collaboration') |
| ヒット曲 | hitto kyoku | hit song |
| ミャクミャク | Myaku-Myaku | Official mascot of the Kansai Expo |
Grammar Spotlight: 〜とともに and 〜を交えて
Let’s look at two useful grammar patterns often heard in contexts like Kouhaku, where performances blend different elements.
〜とともに (to tomo ni) - "together with, along with" This pattern expresses doing something alongside someone or something else, often with a sense of harmony.
- 新曲とともに過去のヒット曲を披露します。 (Shinkyoku to tomo ni kako no hitto kyoku o hirou shimasu.) "I will perform past hit songs together with a new song."
- 仲間とともにステージに立ちます。 (Nakama to tomo ni sutēji ni tachimasu.) "I will stand on stage together with my friends." Use this when describing joint efforts or simultaneous actions, common in collaborative performances.
〜を交えて (o majiete) - "including, incorporating" This pattern is used to show that something is mixed or included in an activity, often for variety.
- ダンスを交えて歌を披露しました。 (Dansu o majiete uta o hirou shimashita.) "They performed the song incorporating dance."
- トークを交えて楽しいステージを作ります。 (Tōku o majiete tanoshii sutēji o tsukurimasu.) "We will create an enjoyable stage including some talk." You’ll hear this in event descriptions where performances blend different elements like music, dance, or dialogue.
Useful Expression
When talking about events like Kouhaku, you might want to express excitement or anticipation. Try this phrase: 楽しみにしてます！ (Tanoshimi ni shitemasu!) - "I’m looking forward to it!" It’s a casual yet polite way to share your enthusiasm, perfect for conversations about upcoming shows or performances.
Closing Thoughts
Diving into the 紅白歌合戦 (Kouhaku Uta Gassen) is like taking a masterclass in Japanese culture and language. From catching the latest ヒット曲 (hitto kyoku, hit songs) to understanding the nuances of collaboration through expressions like 〜とともに (to tomo ni), you’re learning Japanese the way it’s lived and spoken in Japan. So, whether you tune in on December 31 or just follow the buzz, let this iconic event inspire your language journey.
これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.