An explosive B’z set on ‘Kohaku’ hints at a technique to win over viewers

NHK’s annual year-end music blowout, “Kohaku Uta Gassen,” has been airing for over 70 years, nevertheless it nonetheless manages to shock.

The most up-to-date version, which aired on the nationwide broadcaster on Dec. 31, delivered one such standout second with rock duo B’z, reinforcing the significance of catering to older viewers.

B’z holds the title of Japan’s greatest promoting act, but members Koshi Inaba and Takahiro Matsumoto — in a profession spanning greater than three a long time — had by no means graced the “Kohaku” stage till final week once they made their debut with a particular set. According to a report in News Post Seven following the efficiency, NHK initially anticipated B’z to supply a pre-recorded video of them taking part in “Illumination,” the theme tune to the NHK drama “Omusubi.” Owing to busy schedules, nevertheless, it turned out to be simpler for Inaba and Matsumoto to only seem stay at NHK Hall in Shibuya on New Year’s Eve — to the delight of Japanese Gen Xers.