Which Japanese television program is famous for its annual New Year's Eve singing contest?

Kōhaku Uta Gassen is the Japanese television program famous for its annual New Year's Eve singing contest.

Broadcast by NHK, the program divides popular singers into two teams: the red team, traditionally made up of female performers, and the white team, traditionally made up of male performers. The teams compete through musical performances, with judges and audience voting helping determine the winning side.

The first broadcast took place in 1951, initially as a radio program. It moved to television in 1953 and became a major year-end cultural event in Japan. Performers often include leading pop singers, established musicians, and notable guests.

Kōhaku is entertainment rather than a religious ceremony. It is also distinct from temple-bell customs such as Joya no Kane, in which bells are traditionally rung 108 times around New Year's. The show's title literally means “Red and White Song Battle.”