{"product_id":"kohaku-utagassen-the-red-and-white-song-contest","title":"Kohaku Utagassen: The Red and White Song Contest","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMore than a pop culture phenomenon, \u003ci\u003eKohaku\u003c\/i\u003e U\u003ci\u003etagassen \u003c\/i\u003etells a compelling story about how Japanese identity is shaped through music television.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eKohaku\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eUtagassen\u003c\/i\u003e—the annual Red and White Song Contest—is the most-watched TV show in Japan and, arguably, the longest-running televised song competition in the world. From crooning \u003ci\u003eenka\u003c\/i\u003e singers and wild rock bands to chart-topping J-pop idols, \u003ci\u003eKohaku\u003c\/i\u003e showcases the stars of Japan’s music industry in a gripping battle-of-the-sexes format that eclipses comparable global shows such as the Eurovision Song Contest. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShelley Brunt navigates the history of Japan’s much-loved New Year’s Eve spectacular, from its modest origins as a postwar radio show to the dazzling pyrotechnics and holographic performances of today. The show’s title “Red and White,” which recalls the colors of the Japanese flag, hints at \u003ci\u003eKohaku\u003c\/i\u003e’s broader function of constructing national identity through song lyrics, stage design and methods of audience engagement.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504779010421,"sku":"9781501382000","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/products\/kohaku-utagassen-the-red-and-white-song-contest","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}