NHK's 'MUSIC GIFT 2025' Delivers Hope on Nagasaki's 80th Anniversary

On August 9, 2025, NHK General broadcast the special music program "MUSIC GIFT 2025 ~Songs of Hope for You~" live, delivering emotion and songs of hope across Japan. With NHK Hall as the main venue, live broadcasts from Nagasaki Stadium City and Mount Koya's Kongobu-ji Temple also featured, presenting diverse performances filled with messages.

The program was hosted by Kazunari Ninomiya and Fumi Nikaido, broadcast in two parts: Part 1 from 7:30 PM and Part 2 from 10:00 PM. The hashtag "#NHK_MUSICGIFT" trended on social media, garnering enthusiastic responses from viewers.

Among the featured artists, Mrs. GREEN APPLE performed "Que Sera Sera" in Part 1 and "Soranji" in Part 2, their powerful vocals captivating many viewers. DREAMS COME TRUE delivered a special medley for the program, passionately singing from "Nandodemo" to "Sono Saki e," showcasing an overwhelming presence that even staff members reported "gave us goosebumps from the very beginning."

Notably, this day marked the significant 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Masaharu Fukuyama, a native of Nagasaki, performed "Kusunoki -Blown by the Wind of 500 Years-" and "Niji -With 5,000 souls-" from Nagasaki Stadium City with approximately 5,000 choir members. Singing about the history of the atomic-bombed city and hope for the future, he received many emotional responses from viewers, such as "It brought tears to my eyes" and "It made me reflect."

Additionally, MISIA sang "Hanbunko" at NHK Hall and "Kibo no Uta" (Song of Hope) from the Konpon Daito (Great Pagoda) at Kongobu-ji Temple on Mount Koya, with its solemn production creating much buzz. Also, after a presentation by Fumi Nikaido, Chitose Hajime performed "Shinda Onna no Ko" (The Dead Girl) with Ryuichi Sakamoto's piano recording, conveying a profound message. Yuzu's signature song "Eiko no Kakehashi" (Bridge of Glory) was performed in an orchestral arrangement by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kosuke Tsunoda, becoming a special one-night-only performance.

Furthermore, a special stage for the currently airing morning drama "Anpan" was presented, featuring a duet of "Tokyo Boogie Woogie" by Motoki Ohmori (playing Takuchan) and Nanoka Hara (playing Meiko), and "Anpanman no March" by the Anpanman voice cast including Keiko Toda, Ryusei Nakao, and Koichi Yamadera, demonstrating the power of music across generations. During the broadcast, a surprise announcement was made that Mio Imada would serve as the Red Team host for the 2025 Kohaku Uta Gassen, which generated a significant reaction.

"MUSIC GIFT 2025," themed "Songs of Hope," delivered songs of various genres by a lineup of spectacular artists. It was an emotional and message-filled night that once again made us feel the power of music.

The context

NHK, or Japan Broadcasting Corporation, is Japan's public national broadcaster, similar to the BBC. It frequently produces large-scale, high-quality special programs, especially music shows for significant national events or anniversaries. The "MUSIC GIFT" program, as described, aligns with this tradition, utilizing multiple iconic venues across Japan for live broadcasts.

August 9th holds immense historical significance in Japan as the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima. The 80th anniversary in 2025 is a major national observance, making Masaharu Fukuyama's performance from Nagasaki particularly poignant and meaningful, linking music with remembrance and hope for peace.

Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of Japan's most sacred sites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the center of Shingon Buddhism. Kongobu-ji is the head temple of the Shingon sect. MISIA's performance from this solemn and spiritual location would have added a profound depth to the program.

The mention of "Asadora" refers to NHK's popular morning drama series, which are staple viewing for many Japanese households. "Anpan" is the specific drama referenced here. The integration of its cast and themes into a major music special is a common cross-promotional strategy.

Finally, the "Kohaku Uta Gassen" (Red and White Song Battle) is NHK's highly anticipated annual New Year's Eve music special, where popular artists are divided into red (female) and white (male) teams. Being chosen as a host for this prestigious show, like Mio Imada, is a significant recognition in the Japanese entertainment industry.