January 3, 2026 – Latest Japan Entertainment News: NHK Red & White Ratings Hit 35%, Surprise Appearances at Countdown Show, and More

Red & White Song Festival Achieves 35% Viewership, Considered a Success

The 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red & White Song Festival) averaged a household viewership rating of 35%, marking a steady increase from the previous low of 23%.
According to NHK, this number is seen as a success, and viewers responded positively to the broadcast. Fans appreciated the lively performances and nostalgic vibe, making it a trending topic on social media.

Surprise Guest Matsuoka Masahiro & Koichi Domoto at Countdown Show

During the popular New Year’s Eve countdown concert, Matsuoka Masahiro and Koichi Domoto made surprise appearances that thrilled the audience.
Fans went wild online, sharing clips and reactions, turning the moment into a viral sensation.

Ayaka Ueto’s Past Retirement Wishes Revealed by Producer Fukuko Ishii

Producer Fukuko Ishii shared an interesting story about actress Ayaka Ueto, revealing she once considered retiring from showbiz upon getting married.
This candid interview on Bunshun Online shed light on her deep connection to the entertainment industry and her career choices.

Miki Imai & Torao Hotei Spotted Shopping Casually at Luxury Supermarket

Music icons Miki Imai and Torao Hotei were seen shopping together at a high-end supermarket, unbothered by fans or paparazzi.
Photos showed Hotei in a black puffer jacket and Imai in a leather-style down coat, enjoying a relaxed shopping trip.

Maya Imori Deletes Social Media Posts After Leaving Super Sentai Series

After stepping down from her role in the Super Sentai series, Maya Imori has deleted all her social media posts, leaving fans wondering about her whereabouts.
The agency announced her contract was terminated due to underage drinking incidents, which she reportedly admitted to.

New Drama Airing Tonight: “119 Emergency Call 2026 Yokohama Blackout”

Don’t miss tonight’s premiere of the highly anticipated drama “119 Emergency Call 2026 Yokohama Blackout” on Fuji TV at 9:30 PM.
This gripping series has been highlighted by entertainment sites like Natalie as a must-watch winter release for 2025-26, promising intense action and emotional storytelling.

Other Trending Topics

  • Comedian Hiroyuki Ariyoshi joked about the NHK Red & White host lineup, saying, “Aoyama Gakuin was really strong this year,” sparking laughs and playful banter.
  • During the countdown show’s live stream, viewers noticed a video freeze issue. The production company, START, has yet to comment, leaving fans confused and frustrated.
  • Actress Anna Nakagawa removed wedding photos from her social media after a recent post, simply captioning it “Welcome back,” fueling speculation about her personal life.

All these stories are making waves in Japan’s entertainment scene on January 3, 2026. The buzz from the Red & White Festival and New Year’s countdown continues, with celebrities’ personal lives also grabbing headlines.

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