NTV's annual music special Best Artist 2026 will air live on November 28, with the first lineup of performing artists announced.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the program will feature approximately 40 artists under the theme "A Journey Through Music."

The first lineup includes =LOVE, EXILE, King & Prince, Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS, SixTONES, timelesz, Travis Japan, HANA, BE:FIRST, Hey! Say! JUMP, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, M!LK, and Yuzu.

Sho Sakurai will return as the main host for the 18th consecutive year, joined by Shinichi Hattori, Bakarhythm, and NTV announcer Rena Ichiki.

Sakurai expressed his excitement about hosting the show again, noting that the 25th anniversary will feature special performances and projects.

The second lineup of artists and details of the special segments will be announced on November 13.

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[Best Artist 2026]

NTV - Saturday, November 28, 2026
Part 1: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm JST (Excluding some areas) 
Part 2: 7:00 pm - 10:54 pm

Performers:

＝LOVE / EXILE / King & Prince / Sandime J SOUL BROTHERS / SixTONES / timelesz / Travis Japan / HANA / BE:FIRST / Hey! Say! JUMP / Mrs. GREEN APPLE / M!LK / Yuzu / and more
Main Host: Sho Sakurai
Hosts: Shinichi Hattori / Bakarhythm / Rena Ichiki (NTV Announcer)