M!LK Takes Kohaku by Storm: Idol Group's 'Yozakura Oshichi' Collaboration Becomes a New Year's Eve Sensation

At the 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, broadcast on December 31, 2025, idol group M!LK created a huge buzz. They not only performed their hit song “Iijan” but also participated as dancers in “Yozakura Oshichi,” a masterpiece by the queen of enka, Fuyumi Sakamoto. This unexpected collaboration generated an enthusiastic response among viewers, especially their fans, “Mirukizu.”

M!LK members beautifully expressed the world of “Yozakura Oshichi” in traditional Japanese attire. Their elegant dance and alluring performance captivated many fans, who described it with phrases like “driven mad,” “the lingering impression is incredible,” and “it felt like a hallucination.” In particular, member Jinato Yoshida was highly praised as “mellow,” “beautiful,” and “incredibly sensual,” with many exclaiming “words fail me” at his expressive power, which blended his Western-style features with the Japanese aesthetic. Hayato Sano’s (Taichi-kun) dance also received high acclaim, with fans saying “I love it!”

The dramatic shift from their bright and pop image in “Iijan” to the sultry and passionate portrayal in “Yozakura Oshichi” left a strong impact not only on existing fans but also on general TV viewers. Phrases like “people will fall for them because of this” and “Yozakura Oshichi newcomers” circulated widely, marking a night that clearly demonstrated the potential to attract new fan bases.

On social media, numerous posts conveyed their unabating excitement and emotion, with comments such as “Thank you for showing us the most beautiful Yozakura Oshichi,” “I can’t get over this feeling even after the year ends,” and “I hope they perform and update Yozakura Oshichi every year at Kohaku.” Through their performance at Kohaku, M!LK showcased their diverse charm and wide range of expressive abilities to the entire nation, concluding 2025 in a truly memorable fashion.

The context

The NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, often simply called “Kohaku,” is Japan’s most prestigious and eagerly anticipated annual New Year’s Eve music program. Broadcast live on December 31st by NHK (Japan’s public broadcaster), it features the year’s most popular musical artists divided into two teams, Red (female artists) and White (male artists), performing their hits. A victory is determined by judges and audience votes. It’s a cultural phenomenon, watched by millions across the country, signifying the end of the year and the beginning of the next.

M!LK is a popular Japanese idol group known for their lively pop songs and charismatic performances. Their fans are affectionately called “Mirukizu.”

Fuyumi Sakamoto is a legendary figure in the world of Enka, a traditional Japanese music genre characterized by its emotional melodies, storytelling lyrics, and often dramatic vocal delivery. “Yozakura Oshichi” is one of her most famous songs, a powerful and iconic Enka ballad that evokes images of cherry blossoms at night and passionate, unrequited love.

The “gap” mentioned in the article refers to the significant stylistic contrast between M!LK’s usual bright, youthful idol image and the mature, sensual, and traditional aesthetic required for their dance performance of “Yozakura Oshichi.” This unexpected versatility and the ability to seamlessly transition between such different genres captivated both existing fans and new viewers.