Singers getting married for the first time (Photo by Osamu Gunji)
Photo by Sponichi
A press conference was held on the 19th to announce the performers for NHK’s “75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen” (7/20), which takes place on New Year’s Eve. “Tuki.”, whose original song “Supper Song” released by third-year junior high school students was a big hit last year, is participating in Kouhaku for the first time. Currently a first year high school student. All eyes are on the performance of the singer-songwriter, who is shrouded in mystery except that she is 15 years old.
In recent years, there has been a tendency to create popular songs mainly on SNS such as TikTok. tuki started playing the guitar at the age of 13 and started posting videos of himself playing and singing on social media. In July last year, when he released a video of himself singing his first original song, “Supper Song,” he became explosive with his hearty melody and powerful singing voice.
The full version was released in September of the same year. In January of this year, he topped the Billboard Japan overall song chart, becoming the youngest solo artist to surpass 100 million streaming views.
In an interview with “Billboard JAPAN”, he revealed that he started creating original songs around the 6th grade of elementary school. In the same interview, he said that he gets inspiration from “my own love life, my friend’s love life, family stories, anime, manga, and movies, while writing songs.”
He did not attend the Kohaku tournament press conference on this day, but he appeared in a video message. “Hello everyone. This time, I, tuki., will be participating in the 75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen for the first time,” he said, “Last year, I asked my ‘father paid for my promotion and the release of a song.
“Meanwhile, to be honest, I didn’t really realize that I’ll be able to perform on the stage of Kohaku Uta Gassen, which I’ve been watching with my family since I was little, so I’m looking forward to seeing what will the experience be like.” who first got to know me through Kohaku,” he said with enthusiasm.
Tuki doesn’t even show his face when he is playing and singing, so it will be interesting to see what kind of performance he will give during the actual performance.
Show more
How does social media influence the success of emerging artists like tuki in today’s music industry?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Music Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today we have a special guest, Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, a renowned musicologist and expert in contemporary J-Pop. We’re here to discuss the exciting news about the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen performance lineup, including the debut of the 15-year-old sensation known as tuki. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Tanaka!
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss such an iconic event in Japanese music culture.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. tuki has been generating quite a buzz with her first song, ”Supper Song”. What do you think sets her apart from the other artists in the Kohaku lineup?
Dr. Tanaka: tuki embodies a unique blend of youthful talent and modern influence. Her music is resonating particularly well with the younger demographic, largely thanks to platforms like TikTok where many new artists are born today. This access to social media allows her to reach audiences directly, which is a game-changer.
Editor: Absolutely! It seems social media is reshaping the music landscape. How do you think tuki’s rise relates to this phenomenon?
Dr. Tanaka: It mirrors a broader trend where artists leverage social media not just for promotion, but for actual content creation and engagement. tuki, who started playing guitar at the age of 13 and sharply rose to fame after posting her original songs, is a great example of how today’s musicians can cultivate a fanbase outside traditional channels. Her success story is inspiring not just for upcoming artists but also for music lovers looking for authentic, fresh sounds.
Editor: I couldn’t agree more. tuki’s journey reflects the democratization of music. What can we expect from her performance on New Year’s Eve?
Dr. Tanaka: Given that this is her first appearance at such a prestigious event as the Kohaku Uta Gassen, there’s a lot of anticipation. Her performance will not only showcase her vocal talent but could also potentially highlight her skills as a songwriter. Viewers will be interested in her presence on stage—how she commands the space, interacts with the audience, and delivers the emotional depth of her music.
Editor: In the context of Kohaku’s historical significance, how important is a debut like hers for the future of the genre?
Dr. Tanaka: Very important! The Kohaku Uta Gassen is one of the most highly viewed and celebrated music programs in Japan, often helping to propel artists into mainstream success. tuki’s participation symbolizes not just a personal milestone but also signals a shift in how audiences are embracing new, diverse soundscapes. It gives a platform to the next generation of artists and perhaps prioritizes innovation in J-Pop, paving the way for more original voices in the industry.
Editor: Dr. Tanaka, it sounds like we are on the verge of witnessing a major cultural moment in Japanese music. One last question—what advice would you give to young artists looking to make their mark like tuki has?
Dr. Tanaka: I would encourage them to stay true to their authentic selves and lean into their unique stories. The combination of passion, hard work, and savvy use of digital platforms can lead to success, but at its core, music is about connection. Authenticity resonates deeply with audiences, so they should aim to express themselves genuinely.
Editor: Wise words indeed! Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Tanaka. We look forward to watching tuki and all the artists at the Kohaku Uta Gassen this New Year’s Eve!
Dr. Tanaka: Thank you for the delightful conversation! It’s going to be an exciting night for Japanese music!