Motoki Ohmori to Captivate at Kohaku Uta Gassen: Anpan Special Stage Unveils Star-Studded Lineup

The lavish details of the 'Asadora Anpan' special stage at the year-end music festival, 'The 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen,' have been announced, drawing significant attention, particularly to the performance of Motoki Ohmori, vocalist of Mrs. Green Apple.

According to the official NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen announcement, the 'Anpan' special stage will feature songs related to the drama, including those with lyrics by Takashi Yanase, the creator of Anpanman. Among these, it has been decided that Motoki Ohmori will perform 'Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo' as a solo, sparking an outpouring of joy and anticipation on social media.

Many fans have reacted to this announcement, with comments like 'Takuchan's "Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo" was wonderful,' 'I get to see "Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo" again! 😭😭,' and 'I'm looking forward to hearing Motoki Ohmori, not Takuchan, sing "Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo" 💫.' Viewers who were moved by Ohmori's singing as 'Takuchan'—the character he played in the drama 'Anpan'—are thrilled to hear this renowned song again on the Kohaku stage. Some have even expressed early anticipation of tears, saying, 'Just hearing about the solo performance made me emotional,' and 'I'm definitely going to cry.'

In addition to his solo performance of 'Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo,' Motoki Ohmori will also participate in 'Te no Hira wo Taiyou ni' and 'Anpanman no March.' Furthermore, he is listed for the opening performance of 'Yume de Aimashou' and the grand finale with 'GOOD DAY.' Fans have expressed both surprise and support for his bustling schedule and active participation, commenting, 'Motoki Ohmori singing 5 songs at Kohaku Uta Gassen must make him the busiest performer there.'

The special stage will also feature Mio Imada, Yumi Kawai, and Nanoka Hara performing 'Tokyo Boogie-Woogie,' as well as Takumi Kitamura, Fumiya Takahashi, and Koichi Yamadera performing 'Zuan-ka no Uta,' bringing the world of 'Anpan' to life on the Kohaku stage. Anpanman characters are also expected to appear, raising anticipation for a heartwarming performance.

For many viewers, 'Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo,' along with Motoki Ohmori's voice, is set to be one of the highlights of this year's Kohaku Uta Gassen. All eyes will be on his beautiful singing, which is sure to echo through the year-end night sky.

The context

The NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, often simply called Kohaku (Red and White Song Battle), is an annual New Year's Eve music special produced by NHK. It is one of Japan's most watched television programs, featuring popular musical artists divided into red (female) and white (male) teams competing in a friendly singing contest.

'Asadora' refers to NHK's 'Morning Drama Series,' a popular daily drama broadcast in the mornings. These dramas often depict the life story of a historical figure or a fictional character, focusing on themes of perseverance and family.

'Anpan' is the current Asadora, a biographical drama based on the life of Takashi Yanase, the beloved creator of the Anpanman children's series. It explores his journey and the inspirations behind his iconic characters.

Motoki Ohmori is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the popular Japanese rock band Mrs. Green Apple. He is also gaining recognition for his acting debut in the Asadora 'Anpan,' where he plays a significant role.

'Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi wo' ('Look Up at the Stars Tonight') is a timeless Japanese folk song from 1960, composed by Taku Izumi with lyrics by Rokusuke Ei. It is a widely beloved classic, often performed at significant events, known for its poignant melody and comforting message.

Anpanman is one of Japan's most famous and enduring children's superhero characters, created by Takashi Yanase. He is a superhero with a head made of anpan (a Japanese sweet bread filled with red bean paste) who helps those in need.