62nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen


The 62nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, referred to from hereon as "Kōhaku", aired on December 31, 2011 from NHK Hall in Japan beginning from 7:15 p.m. JST.
The year's theme was “Ashita o Utaou”, which aimed to spread positive thoughts to a country still rocked by the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The theme also sought to begin the new year with a fresh hope.
This is the first edition to broadcast in digital terrestrial televisions, as the Japan already switched over since July 24, 2011.
The white team's 6-year reign as the winners of Kōhaku Uta Gassen came to end as The 62nd Kōhaku Uta Gassen was won by the red team.
Kohaku aired a pre-recorded performance for the first time with Lady Gaga's "Born This Way".

Performers

, the host of the Red Team, is a Japanese actress best known for her roles in Hana Yori Dango, and Kids War and co-starring with Chizuru Ikewaki in Mitsui ReHouse commercial from 1997 to 1999. Arashi, the hosts for the White Team, are a popular male J-Pop group who has not only sold millions, but appeared in dramas, hosted shows, and had countless endorsements.
Performances are in order. Number of appearances on Kōhaku are listed after each artist.

First Half