Home
JPop

76th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen 2025 Full Line-up — The debuts, returns, and surprise drops

76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen 2025 reveals its full line-up with major debuts, big returns, surprising omissions. See who’s performing & who’s missing.
Who’s Performing at NHK Kohaku 2025
76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen 2025 Line-Up: Full List of Debuts, Returns, and Surprise Drops

The year-end music showdown is back, and NHK has finally lifted the curtain on the performer list for the 76th Kohaku Uta Gassen, airing 31 December 2025.

As always, the line-up arrived with a mix of expected picks, eyebrow-raising debutants, and a handful of surprising omissions that fans can’t stop chatting about.

The 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen 2025 Line-Up

Akagumi Team (Red)

  1. Aina the End
  2. aimyon
  3. ILLIT
  4. Ikuta Lilas
  5. Ishikawa Sayuri
  6. Iwasaki Hiromi
  7. aespa
  8. CANDY TUNE
  9. Sakamoto Fuyumi
  10. Takahashi Mariko
  11. Chanmina
  12. Tendo Yoshimi
  13. Nogizaka46
  14. HANA
  15. Perfume
  16. Humbert Humbert
  17. FRUITS ZIPPER
  18. MISIA
  19. Mizumori Kaori
  20. LiSA

Shirogumi (White Team)

  1. &TEAM
  2. ORANGE RANGE
  3. King & Prince
  4. Kubota Toshinobu
  5. Hiromi Go
  6. Sakanaction
  7. Junretsu
  8. TUBE
  9. Number_i
  10. Niihama Leon
  11. Vaundy
  12. Be:FIRST
  13. Fukuyama Masaharu
  14. Fuse Akira
  15. Mts. GREEN APPLE
  16. Miyama Hiroshi
  17. M!LK

Big Debuts: A Fresh Wave Takes the Stage

This year’s debut acts feel very much in tune with Japan’s current music landscape. 

It’s no shock that Chanmina, HANA, FRUITS ZIPPER, and M!LK have made the cut, considering their recent chart runs and strong digital presence.

The unexpected name in the debut line-up, however, is Humbert Humbert, a duo whose warm, minimalist style has quietly built momentum. 

Their inclusion has been widely praised as a refreshing shift in Kohaku’s balance of genres.

Full List of Debut Artists

Red Team:
AiNA THE END
Ikuta Lilas
aespa
CANDY TUNE
Chanmina
HANA
Humbert Humbert
FRUITS ZIPPER

White Team:
&TEAM
M!LK

Returning After a Break: Familiar Faces Make a Comeback

Several artists are making their return to the Kohaku stage after stepping away in recent years. 

One of the biggest talking points is the reappearance of King & Prince. 

For some time, fans have speculated whether acts under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT would return to the programme, especially after the company built its own strong New Year’s Eve livestream tradition.

This comeback has already sparked discussion about whether more of their groups might be announced later, given NHK’s growing habit of adding acts after the initial list.

Also returning are Perfume, stepping back onto the Kohaku stage in what many are calling their final era before entering their so-called “cold sleep”. 

Other welcome returnees include Aimyon, LiSA, ORANGE RANGE, Sakanaction, and industry veterans such as Kubota Toshinobu and TUBE.

Full List: Returning After a Break

Aimyon
Iwasaki Hiromi
Perfume
LiSA
ORANGE RANGE
King & Prince
Kubota Toshinobu
Sakanaction
TUBE
Fuse Akira

Surprise Drops: Big Names Missing From This Year’s Show

Of course, Kohaku wouldn’t be Kohaku without a few shock exclusions. 

Major names such as Shiina Ringo, Sakurazaka46, TWICE, Fujii Kaze, and Hoshino Gen won’t be returning this year, sparking immediate conversation across social platforms.

It’s not uncommon for NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen to rotate its line-up based on annual activity, but given these artists’ continued prominence, their absence feels notable. 

Some fans believe NHK is leaning towards fresher, younger acts this year, especially with a heavy emphasis on digital metrics and public surveys.

Full List: Not Returning

aiko
Iruka
Sakurazaka46
Shiina Ringo
Superfly
tuki.
TWICE
ME:I
Ryokuoushoku Shakai
LE SSERAFIM
Omoinotake
Creepy Nuts
GLAY
Kocchi no Kento
THE ALFEE
JO1
TOMORROW X TOGETHER
Fujii Kaze
Hoshino Gen
Minami Kosetsu
Yamauchi Keisuke

ILLIT Makes History Again

One interesting footnote this year is the continued appearance of ILLIT, who made waves last year for being invited ahead of releasing an official Japanese album. 

They remain the only 5th-generation K-Pop group to appear for two consecutive years, a rare feat for an overseas rookie.

Full Line-up:

Who Will Perform at the 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen

How NHK Chooses the Line-Up

NHK outlined its selection criteria once again, emphasising that choices are based on annual activity and public support. This includes:

  • CD, DVD, and Blu-ray sales

  • Streaming, downloads, MV views, and social media trends

  • Requests on radio and karaoke

  • Live performance achievements

  • National public surveys via telephone (2,027 respondents aged 7+)

  • An additional web survey of 8,000 respondents

NHK also confirmed that all participating management agencies have agreed to NHK’s performer guidelines.

Event Details: What to Expect on New Year’s Eve

This year’s Kohaku carries the theme “Tsunagu, Tsunagaru, Oomisoka.” 

Marking NHK’s 100th anniversary, the broadcast will feature a strong line-up of hosts: Ayase Haruka, Ariyoshi Hiroiki, Imada Mio, and Suzuki Naoko.

Broadcast schedule:
31 December, from 7:20 PM to 11:45 PM
Platforms: NHK General, BSP4K, BS8K, Radio 1, and NHK ONE.

Last year, the White Team claimed the victory, bringing the all-time tally to Red 34 wins vs. White 41 wins.

Source: NHK

#JPop

Post a Comment