[JAPAN] Kouhaku Uta Gassen ratings - Yet again, dismal….

January 3, 2008 by Dennis Amith

For the 58th Annual NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen (Crimson Red vs. White New Year’s Eve Special), the network went into different territory, hoping to bring in more viewers. But in three consecutive years, the ratings have continued to dip for the New Year’s Eve special as other stations have broadcasted their own specials against Kouhaku.

So, how did this year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen fair?

Unfortunately, not much better. The second half of the four hour special only garnered 39.5% which is lower than last year’s 39.8% (lowest overall is 37.6%) in the Kanto region. The ratings rebounded in the Kansai region which previously was at 37.6%.

As for TBS “49th Nihon Record Taishou Awards” held on December 30th, the award show garnered only 16.8% which is a big jump from last year’s terrible 10%.