<p>The 26th Grand Kohaku Uta Gassen in São Paulo: The Largest Singing Event in Brazil's Japanese-Brazilian Community</p>

<p>This annual event, known as the "Grand Kohaku Uta Gassen," is a significant musical celebration held in São Paulo, Brazil, which boasts the world's largest Japanese diaspora community outside of Japan.</p>

<p>Now in its 26th year, this contest aims to preserve and promote Japanese songs and culture among younger generations.</p>

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<p><a href="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20241209/k10014662161000.html">https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20241209/k10014662161000.html</a></p>

<h2>Event Highlights</h2>
The competition features a wide range of participants, aged 5 to over 80, with 64 individuals and groups showcasing their vocal talents this year. Contestants perform various Japanese songs, primarily focusing on popular music and enka, while dressed in elaborate costumes.

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<h2>Cultural Significance</h2>
This event is a crucial platform for maintaining Japanese language skills and cultural awareness among the Japanese-Brazilian community. It provides an opportunity for participants to connect with their heritage through music, fostering a sense of cultural identity and continuity</section>

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<figure><img alt="" src="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20241209/K10014662161_2412090724_1209080338_02_05.jpg" /></figure>

<p>"Kita no Gyoba." <img alt="" src="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20241209/K10014662161_2412090724_1209080338_02_06.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
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<p>Yuuji Morita, 12, showcased his talent by performing Saburo Kitajima's hit song "Kita no Gyoba." He expressed his deep affection for Enka music, stating that the emotions conveyed in the genre resonate strongly with him, which is why he enjoys singing it. Yuuji has clear aspirations for the future: he aims to become a professional singer. He dreams of going to Japan and singing alongside his idol, Saburo Kitajima."Kita no Gyoba" is one of Kitajima's signature songs, released in 1977. The lyrics were written by Kaoru Shinjo, and the music was composed by Seiichi Sakurada. This song is widely recognized as a classic enka piece and is cherished within the Japanese-Brazilian community. Yuuji's enthusiasm exemplifies how the Japanese musical culture is being passed down to younger generations in Brazil. His participation highlights the goals of the "Kohaku Uta Gassen" event held in São Paulo, which seeks to preserve and promote the Japanese language and culture among the community.</p>
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<figure><img alt="" src="https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20241209/K10014662161_2412090724_1209080338_02_07.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tadao Ebihara (75), the organizer of the event,</figcaption>
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<p>Tadao Ebihara (75), the organizer of the event, stated: "Among the younger generations of Japanese-Brazilians, fewer people are trying to learn Japanese. We want to continue this event because it provides an opportunity for them to become familiar with Japanese language and culture through songs."Ebihara's comments highlight the challenges faced by the Japanese-Brazilian community in maintaining their cultural heritage. The Grand Kohaku Uta Gassen in São Paulo serves as a vital platform for preserving Japanese language skills and cultural awareness among younger generations. By organizing this singing competition, Ebihara and his team aim to:</p>

<ol>
	<li index="0">Encourage interest in Japanese language learning</li>
	<li index="1">Promote Japanese cultural traditions</li>
	<li index="2">Create a connection between younger Japanese-Brazilians and their heritage</li>
</ol>

<p>The event's continuity is seen as crucial for fostering a sense of cultural identity and ensuring that the Japanese language and customs remain relevant within the community. Through music, the organizers hope to inspire a new generation to engage with their Japanese roots, even as traditional language learning methods become less popular.　    (quoted from NHK website）</p>
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<p>[unscaled1]</p>

<p>The 26th Grand Kohaku Uta Gassen in São Paulo was held at the auditorium of the Brazil-Japan Welfare Association.</p>

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<p>The event was organized by Group Friends (NPO Cultural Welfare Association). After the opening remarks by Mr. Ebihara, the representative of the organizing group, congratulatory messages were delivered by several distinguished guests:</p>

<ul>
	<li index="0">The president of the Brazilian Song Federation</li>
	<li index="1">The president of the Japan-Brazil Parliamentary League</li>
</ul>
Additionally, video messages were presented from:

<ul>
	<li index="0">Mr. Miyazaki, representative of the International Kohaku Uta Gassen Executive Committee</li>
	<li index="1">Mr. Mizohata, Director General of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau</li>
</ul>

<p>These messages conveyed their best wishes and support for the event, highlighting its significance in promoting cultural exchange and preserving Japanese heritage within the Brazilian-Japanese community.</p>

<p>[unscaled3]</p>

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<p>Hiroshi Mizohata: After serving as the representative director of Oita Football Club and the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, he has been the President of the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau since 2015.</p>

<p>[unscaled6]</p>

<p>The event was held for the first time in three years, and it concluded successfully, celebrating the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil in 2025, highlighting the cultural friendship between the two nations.</p>
