New Year’s Day Broadcasts Filled with Exciting Specials
On January 1, 2026, Japan’s television industry kicked off the new year with a lineup of spectacular special programs that kept viewers entertained all day long. Multiple local TV stations aired New Year’s specials featuring top celebrities, popular idols, and entertainment icons making surprise appearances throughout the day.
TV Asahi aired hits like "Celebrity Face-Off! 2026 New Year’s Special" and "Special Episode of ‘Aibou’ Season 24". Meanwhile, Nippon TV drew viewers with the three-hour “Golden SixTONES New Year’s Marathon Special,” which became a trending topic among fans.
Surprise Performances at the Countdown Concert
Masahiro Matsuoka and Koichi Domoto made surprise appearances, creating a buzz across social media. Matsuoka returned after three years, performing drums on his hit song “Last Day” during STARTO’s segment. Koichi Domoto also appeared unexpectedly, eliciting cheers from the 55,000-strong crowd in attendance.
For the first time since their debut, Aぇ! Group took part in a New Year’s countdown concert. Sano Kazuya shared, “As long as fans are here, I’ll keep being an idol forever,” showing his dedication for the year ahead.
Music Specials to Kick Off the Year
TV Tokyo aired a late-night music special at 12:40 a.m., titled “Taisho Pharmaceutical Presents Premium MelodiX! Special 2026”. New groups STARGLOW and ROIROM made their first appearance on a major TV music show, performing their latest hit songs and generating buzz among fans.
The program showcased some of the most viral hits from 2025, giving viewers a sneak peek of artists expected to dominate in 2026. Music enthusiasts visiting Tower Records and other stores shared their top picks, revealing the next big stars in the making.
Reliving the Nostalgia of Heisei Era Classics
Japan’s Nippon TV aired “Timeless Familia Special” at 11:10 p.m. on January 1. The show featured a star-studded lineup including Shinichi Hatori, Maki Goto, Rikka Ihara, and Eikou Karino, who competed in games centered around iconic Heisei-era hits.
One highlight was the “One-Word Karaoke” game, where participants listened to a famous song through headphones and had to sing only the designated word. Their teammates then guessed the song title. Winners received exciting prizes, while those who struggled faced humorous penalties, making for a lively and nostalgic night.
Celebrity News and New Year’s Resolutions
The first day of the year also brought some big entertainment headlines. TV Asahi’s Maon Hibi announced her marriage, tying the knot in a “Beauty and the Beast” style wedding with a fellow Keio University alumnus. She confirmed she has no plans to leave her current job.
Additionally, former Nadeshiko Japan star Marumi Yamasaki revealed she changed her legal gender and announced her marriage, drawing praise for her courage and openness.
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