What is the name of Japan's nationally televised New Year's Eve song competition?

Japan's nationally televised New Year's Eve song competition is called Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The program divides popular singers into red and white teams, traditionally with female performers on the red team and male performers on the white team. Each side performs songs while judges and viewers help determine the winning team.

NHK first broadcast the program in 1951, and it became a major feature of Japanese year-end television. Its lineup often combines contemporary stars with established performers, making an appearance culturally significant in Japan.

Kōhaku is a music competition rather than a countdown alone. It is also distinct from the Japan Record Awards, which recognize recordings and artists but are not the same red-versus-white New Year's Eve contest.