Number_i “Returns” to Kohaku in a New Form! Jinguji: “It Feels Different and More Focused”

The lineup of performers for the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, which will be broadcast on New Year’s Eve, was announced on November 19. A total of 42 groups will participate, including 10 first-time performers. Number_i, a group formed by three former members of King & Prince, will make their comeback in a new form. “We are determined to give our best performance,” they expressed enthusiastically.

From left to right, Yuta Jinguji, Sho Hirano, and Yuta Kishi of Number_i posing (Photo by Osamu Gunji)

At the press conference, Yuta Kishi, Yuta Jinguji, and Sho Hirano of Number_i stood in the center of the six attending groups. Unlike their debut appearance in 2018 as members of King & Prince, where they appeared fresh and new, they now showed a confident demeanor. Reflecting on their first appearance in their new capacity, Kishi said with a smile, “I am looking forward to the live performance.”

The three members left King & Prince in May of last year and formed Number_i in October of the same year. They debuted with “GOAT” on New Year’s Day this year. As King & Prince, they had participated in the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red & White Year-End Song Festival) for five consecutive years until 2022, and they will return to the stage after a two-year hiatus.

The good news was conveyed to them on the day of the press conference by their agency staff, and Hirano humorously shared, “I woke up and found myself in a car heading to NHK.” Although they haven’t spoken directly with their agency president Hideaki Takizawa of TOBE, Hirano expressed his gratitude, saying with a smile, “I believe this is all thanks to the president’s support. I would like to say, ‘Thank you very much.'”

Jinguji, reflecting on their debut on New Year’s Day, said, “I never imagined we would be able to perform at Kohaku.” He added, “It is incredible to debut on New Year’s Day and perform on December 31.”

This will be the first time the three of them stand on the Kohaku stage together. Jinguji, filled with determination, said, “Many people will be watching. It’s a different feeling from usual, and it makes me feel more focused. We are excited to see how much we can deliver and perform to our fullest potential.” They are set to conclude a tumultuous year with a spectacular performance on the Kohaku stage.