TV
Every year NHK (the national TV network) broadcasts one of the (if not the) most popular programs all year–the 紅白 kouhaku. This annual New Year’s Eve event pits female musicians against those of the male variety. One team is red (紅) and the other white (白) hence the name.
Admittedly, I know very little about popular music today in Japan. So I’m going to make a point of learning as I watch 紅白 tomorrow.
I am excited to see The Boom (ザ・ブーム) is playing 島歌 shima uta (not to be confused with シマウマ (親父ギャグ (笑))). The Boom is a group that mixes Okinawan and Brazilian sounds. Some of their earlier work is simply amazing. I think 島歌 shima uta is my favorite of their recordings–and it probably is their most famous song.
You can see the lineup of artists here.
I’m thinking I will start a thread at TJP dedicated to ‘blogging’ about the program while it is taking place. If you are able to watch 紅白, please stop by TJP and let us know what you think of Ayu’s dress or–if you want to be particularly cruel–her singing style.
* Turns out TV Japan (how I can watch the show in Florida) isn’t real-time… I’ll be an hour behind so scratch that idea. 🙂