[nmskalmn]

Yumin makes first Kohaku appearance, Wada sings for guys, Gorie for gals

Popular singers Yumi Matsutoya, Misato Watanabe and Masayoshi Yamazaki will make their first appearances this year in NHK's Red and White Singing Contest (Kohaku Utagassen), NHK's traditional New Year's Eve extravaganza, the broadcaster said Thursday.

Matsutoya, one of the most successful female performers in Japanese recording history, has traditionally shunned the chance to perform in the Kohaku, but agreed to do so this year for the first time in a career spanning three decades.

Other superstar entertainers poised to appear in the big concert include Sayuri Ishikawa, Ayumi Hamasaki, Morning Musume, Saburo Kitajima, Masashi Sada, SMAP and Shinichi Mori.

A New Year's Eve tradition in Japan, Kohaku pits male performers, who sing as the White team, against women, who perform as members of the Red team.

This year, however, Akiko Wada, a burly woman often described as showing "manly" characteristics, will perform with the White men's team, while cross-dressing star Gorie will join the women.

NHK will air the contest live from 7:20 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Dec. 31. A total of 60 singers and groups will perform.

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/nation...et029000c.html