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| When J-Pop Legends Meet K-Pop Rookies: AKB48 x ILLIT Backstage at NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen (Photo: AKB48) |
A surprise backstage moment at 76th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen 2025 has sent idol fans into a frenzy, after Japan’s national idol group AKB48 were spotted posing and dancing alongside rising K-pop act ILLIT. The cross-generation, cross-country interaction quickly went viral, with fans calling it a rare “dimension wall collapse” moment in idol history.
In the shared photo, AKB48 were represented by legendary first-generation icons Maeda Atsuko and Oshima Yuko, joined by current members Oguri Yui and Ito Momoka.
From ILLIT’s side, popular members MOKA and WONHEE took part, creating a lineup that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new at the same time.
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The atmosphere backstage was warm and playful, with both groups flashing finger hearts and relaxed smiles.
What truly set fans buzzing, however, was a video uploaded on AKB48’s official account showing the members dancing together to the group’s iconic hit “Heavy Rotation”, a song deeply tied to AKB48’s golden era.
AKB48 danced to Heavy Rotation with ILLIT Moka and Wonhee on Tiktok!https://t.co/WsY3CmpwYA pic.twitter.com/34H7a7yOhu
— 48RH (@48RequestHour) January 4, 2026
The interaction didn’t stop there.
On ILLIT’s official Instagram, WONHEE and MOKA were seen dancing to ILLIT’s track “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” alongside Oguri Yui, Maeda Atsuko, and Oshima Yuko.
Meanwhile, AKB48’s official TikTok later revealed another clip featuring Ito Momoka joining in for a “Heavy Rotation” dance challenge.
From the outfits worn, fans quickly noticed that all videos were filmed during Kouhaku rehearsals or backstage moments.
This meeting carries extra meaning for fans who know MOKA’s personal story.
In a previous Korean variety show appearance, she revealed that as a child, she once wrote “AKB” as her dream for the future in her album. That old confession has now turned this collaboration into a full-circle moment, adding emotional weight to what was already a headline-making interaction.
ILLIT’s strong presence at Kouhaku also highlights their growing popularity in Japan.
The group has now made appearances on NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen for two consecutive years, a rare achievement for a rookie K-pop group and a clear sign of their impact on the Japanese music market. Their inclusion reflects how newer K-pop acts are steadily building long-term connections with Japanese audiences.
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For AKB48 fans, the moment sparked deep nostalgia, while for ILLIT supporters, it showcased how the group is stepping confidently into the global spotlight.
Many are now hoping this won’t be a one-off moment, but the start of a deeper creative connection between J-pop and K-pop idols.
So, what do you think — was this the most iconic backstage moment at Kouhaku 2026, or do you want to see an actual stage collaboration next?