On New Year's Eve, many families in Japan inevitably wind up gathered around the TV to watch a selection of holiday programming. One of the most popular shows is NHK's "Kohaku Uta Gassen."
Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, the song contest pits a men's team and a women's team against each other with the studio audience picking its favorite. This year, viewers at home will also be able to vote.
Certain musicians become staples on "Kohaku," and last year one of those performers, enka star Saburo Kitajima, announced he would retire from the program. The 78-year-old singer took part in the show a record 50 times, was the "anchor" (final solo performer) 13 times and led the grand finale 11 times.
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