Kouhaku Uta Gassen Teams Announced

"Kouhaku Uta Gassen," more commonly known as "Kouhaku," is recognized within Japan as being one of the most important annual music shows produced by NHK. The show divides the talent of Japan's most popular artists into two separate teams, with female solo artists/groups known as the "Red Team" and male solo artists/groups called the "White Team." This year, a total of 53 acts will participate at the event, with 14 of those making their debut on the program.

Some of these acts include Mizutani Yutaka, a prolific actor and singer within Japan; Jero, an American-born enka singer; Perfume, Mr.Children, Tohoshinki, Shuchishin, Aoyama Thelma, Ikimono Gakari, GIRL NEXT DOOR and recently reunited SPEED. Firm favorites within the industry who are also set to participate include aiko, Angela Aki, Otsuka Ai, Hamasaki Ayumi, Koda Kumi, EXILE, SMAP, TOKIO, Hirai Ken and WaT.