What is the name of the Japanese New Year's Eve music program aired by NHK?

Kōhaku Uta Gassen is the Japanese New Year's Eve music program aired by NHK.

Its full Japanese title means “Red and White Song Battle.” The program divides performers into red and white teams, traditionally with women on the red team and men on the white team, although the presentation and performer categories have evolved. Singers compete through staged performances, and a panel and audience help determine the winning team.

NHK first broadcast the program in 1951. It became a major year-end television event in Japan, where families often watch it before visiting a shrine or temple after midnight. Performances combine contemporary pop stars, veteran singers, and highly produced stage presentations. Participation is considered an important career milestone for many Japanese performers.

Kōhaku is sometimes described as a contest, but its cultural role extends beyond the result. It serves as a national year-end showcase and a summary of the year’s popular music. It should not be confused with Japan’s New Year holiday, Shōgatsu, which begins after the New Year's Eve broadcast.