【Music News】back number Returns to NHK Kouhaku 2025 with Two Heartfelt Songs
Japanese rock band back number is set to return to the iconic NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen (Red & White Song Battle) for the second time on December 31, 2025, following their debut appearance in 2022. Their scheduled performance includes two emotionally charged songs:
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"Doushitemo Doushitemo", NHK’s official Winter Sports theme song
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"Suiheisen", a fan-favorite that resonated strongly during the pandemic era
🎤 Who is back number?
Formed in 2004, back number is known for their heartfelt lyrics and melodic arrangements. The band has gained cross-generational appeal, consistently selling out arenas and stadiums. In fact, their 2023 five-dome tour sold out completely, and they're currently preparing for a 500,000-person stadium tour in 2026—their largest ever.
With over 30 songs surpassing 100 million streams, back number continues to define the emotional core of modern J-Pop.
🆕 What They’ll Perform at Kouhaku 2025
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🎶 "Doushitemo Doushitemo"
Currently featured as the NHK Winter Sports Theme, this new track is already resonating with sports fans across Japan. -
🎶 "Suiheisen" (The Horizon)
Originally written after the cancellation of Japan’s high school championships during the pandemic, this song became a viral anthem among teens and young adults, symbolizing loss, hope, and resilience.
💬 A Message from the Band
Lead vocalist Iyori Shimizu shared a heartfelt comment:
“It means a lot to be back on the Kouhaku stage with the other two members. These two songs are incredibly important to us, and we hope they touch your heart as much as they have touched ours. We’ll see you on New Year’s Eve.”
📺 Broadcast Information
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Event: The 76th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen
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Date: December 31, 2025 (Wednesday)
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Time: 7:20 PM – 11:45 PM JST (with news break)
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Where to Watch: NHK General, BS4K, BS8K, and Radio 1
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Streaming: NHK On Demand (Japan)
🔗 Official Website – NHK Kouhaku
🎶 Why This Matters
Kouhaku is one of Japan’s most prestigious annual TV events. For a band like back number, returning to this stage shows both public recognition and artistic growth. It also marks a major moment for fans both in Japan and abroad.
Whether you’ve been listening since “Christmas Song” or just discovered them recently, this will be a special performance to look forward to as 2025 comes to a close.
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