Sho Sakurai will return as the host of 'THE MUSIC DAY 2026,' which is set to air on July 4.

The annual music special will be broadcast live from Makuhari Messe for nine and a half hours and will feature more than 60 artists. Additional details about the lineup will be announced at a later date.

This year's theme is "Stories of Music," reflecting the idea that experiencing music through its stories can lead to new discoveries and a renewed appreciation for songs that have stood the test of time

Asked to name a song that served as a turning point in his life, Sakurai chose Shibugakitai's "Sushi Kuine!" He recalled, "It was the first song I ever performed on TV. At the time, I hadn't yet told my school about my entertainment activities, so I asked the agency to let me dance somewhere that wouldn't appear on camera, which seems like a very strange request when I think about it now (laughs). I remember dancing at the far back right corner of the screen, trying not to draw attention to myself."