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| STARTO Policy Leads timelesz to Decline NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen 2025 Invitation (Photo: Jisin) |
With the 76th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen 2025 just a month away, anticipation is already kicking in across Japan’s music scene. The first wave of performers was unveiled on 14 November, featuring the usual balance of veteran stars and the past year’s biggest names — but fans quickly noticed one glaring omission: timelesz.
Despite NHK reportedly reaching out with an official request, the group has declined the offer, and sources say the decision came down to STARTO ENTERTAINMENT’s internal policy, rather than the members themselves.
A Big Year for timelesz Makes Their Absence Hard to Ignore
Kouhaku’s selection criteria are straightforward — impact, public support, and compatibility with the broadcast’s production plan.
This year’s roster already includes powerhouse acts such as MISIA and Fukuyama Masaharu, while the white team (shirogumi) currently sits three acts short compared to the red.
Behind the scenes, NHK executives openly acknowledged they were still negotiating with several high-demand artists. That naturally fuelled speculation online about potential late additions, especially from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.
Among the rumoured favourites, timelesz stood right at the top.
Their Netflix documentary “timelesz project – AUDITION” turned into a breakout cultural moment, and since their relaunch as an 8-member group in February, their presence on TV has grown massively.
Many fans considered them one of 2025’s defining acts, making their absence from the initial lineup feel suspiciously out of place.
So Why Did They Decline? Inside STARTO’s Current Stance
While King & Prince — also from STARTO — made their return to Kouhaku this year, industry insiders stress that their case is unique.
King & Prince operate under their own company and agent-style contract, meaning their personal wishes take priority over agency direction.
timelesz, however, are operating under a different structure.
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| timelesz surprised fans with an unexpected performance schedule (Photo: Instagram) |
According to a music industry source, NHK did reach out, but the group turned it down in line with STARTO ENTERTAINMENT’s policy. The reasoning traces back to the still-delicate relationship between NHK and the restructured agency.
Although NHK officially resumed new bookings over a year ago, their ties with STARTO remain notably cooler compared to Japan’s commercial networks, where STARTO artists have been reappearing more freely.
In short, STARTO is reportedly not in a position to accept major programme offers without caution, even for an event as iconic as Kouhaku.
Will timelesz Still Be Added Later? Industry Says “Very Unlikely”
NHK confirmed they are still negotiating with certain artists, sparking hopes for last-minute surprises. But insiders say the odds of timelesz joining the lineup are “extremely slim”.
In fact, some believe Arashi have a higher chance of being added than timelesz, as Arashi also operates under an agent-style arrangement that allows member-led decision-making.
With the white team currently short by three slots, fans wondered if timelesz might fill the gap — but those hopes seem to be fading fast.
For now, it appears that timelesz will be sitting out Kouhaku 2025, not because of lack of demand, but because the agency isn’t ready to fully step back into NHK’s flagship year-end spotlight.