Last New Year's Eve, Japan's annual spectacle, the 75th "Kohaku Uta Gassen," wrapped up with a bang. But the real showstopper? Rock legends B'z, making their first-ever Kohaku appearance since their 1988 debut as special guests. Their absolutely epic performance blew everyone away and set the internet ablaze.
The official NHK video of their performance garnered immense attention online, and this B'z fever isn't just for the OGs. Loads of younger folks are discovering them too! According to Japanese media outlet Sports Nippon, B'z's fan club membership has been skyrocketing since the Kohaku broadcast, with the hype still building three days later.
▼ "Estimated over 10,000 new members" even became a trending keyword on X today.
This year marks B'z's 36th anniversary, and this was their very first time gracing the Kohaku stage. They were initially slated to perform "Illumination," the theme song for NHK's morning drama "Omusubi," on a special outdoor stage.
But then, BAM! They made a surprise appearance on the main stage, catching the live audience and hosts completely off guard. They ripped through their iconic hits "LOVE PHANTOM" and "ultra soul," instantly sending the energy through the roof and leaving everyone absolutely buzzing!
Post-Kohaku, the online chatter about B'z has been non-stop. Netizens were gushing: "I cried tears of joy watching Kohaku and decided to join the fan club!" "B'z totally converted me with their Kohaku performance, and I even joined my first-ever fan club!" "The Kohaku show was incredible! I wasn't a fan before, but now I'm completely hooked and signed up!" It wasn't just the usual crowd; even younger demographics and those who barely knew B'z got instantly swept up in the hype.
Estimates suggest that over 10,000 new members flooded into the B'z fan club after their Kohaku performance. Overnight, they absolutely crushed it, winning over audiences with their raw talent and pulling a whole new generation into their musical orbit!
Today (January 3rd), Sports Nippon's newspaper even dropped an exclusive interview with the B'z duo. Looks like after this epic Kohaku debut, B'z might just be gearing up to dominate the Reiwa era all over again!
via： スポーツニッポン