On December 29th, a public rehearsal for the upcoming "The 63rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen" was held at NHK Hall. The host for the white team, Arashi and the host for the red team, Horikita Maki attended the press conference.

Horikita spoke her mind by stating, "After attending the rehearsal, I began to see the full picture of this year's Kohaku, and it heightens the tension. Though my tense feeling is bigger at this moment, I would like to put the feeling behind, and enjoy the program." She also revealed with a smile that she has been practicing to say 'Kyary Pamyu Pamyu'.

Arashi's Sakurai Sho looked back on the year, and said, "It was an extremely special year as we have taken quit big roles, such as the host for 24-hour television in the summer, and Kohaku in the winter.�I wonder what would happen next year..." Matsumoto Jun then agreed Sakurai, "Yes, this year was just too good."

Ninomiya Kazunari also talked about this year, "I think we were able to spend a lot of time together as 5 members." Aiba Masaki shared his ambition for next year, "I hope next year will be even bigger than this year, with all 5 of us together."

Unlike Arashi who will serve as the host for 3 consecutive year, this will be the first time for Horikita to be the host. Arashi members said about her, "She is very calm, and reliable." (Matsumoto) "Without thinking too much, all you should worry about is to have fun. There is no advice for me to make. I'm just believing in you!" (Aiba)

Regarding the highlight on the program, Sakurai said, "We will be able to see the entire particulars of the outside broadcasting from several locations on the day, so I am looking forward for it." He also revealed about Arashi's performance on the program that they will put sensors on their body, and create real-time CG images to which Sakurai said, "It could be the first such performance in the world."

Ohno Satoshi said, "Since this is the singing battle that concludes the year of 2012, I hope it could make the viewers to have a sense of achievement as well." Horikita also said, "I would like to make it as the Kohaku that helps everybody to have a hope for next year while looking back on this year."

For the performance order for this year's Kohaku, you can check out our previous post (here).

"The 63rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen" will be aired on New Year's eve on NHK starting on 7:15 pm.

Source & Image: MANTAN WEB