What Japanese New Year's Eve television program features the annual music contest Kohaku Uta Gassen?

NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen is the Japanese New Year's Eve television program featuring an annual music contest between red and white teams.

The program is broadcast by Japan's public broadcaster, NHK, on December 31. Popular singers are divided into a red team of female performers and a white team of male performers, with each side presenting songs for judges and viewers.

Kōhaku began in 1951 as a radio program and moved to television in 1953. It became one of Japan's most prominent year-end broadcasts, combining music, celebrity appearances, and seasonal tradition.

The winning team is decided at the end of the program, although the event is better understood as a large variety show than as a conventional sporting contest. The title literally refers to the red-and-white teams, colors that carry strong ceremonial associations in Japan.