[article] Japan TV apologizes for "topless" New Year's Eve shock

[nmskalmn]

A troupe of dancers in skin-colored body suits had Japanese national broadcaster NHK apologizing to viewers of its New Year's Eve music special for what seemed to be a full-scale Janet Jackson-style wardrobe malfunction.

The dancers, who all appeared to be topless and wore skimpy bikini-style bottoms and feathered head-dresses, covered the stage during a performance by singer DJ OZMA, prompting about 250 viewers to phone in and complain.

"The dancers were wearing body suits, but we apologize for any misunderstanding," a presenter announced toward the end of the 57th annual "Red and White Song Contest".

"I guess it looked a bit too real," local media quoted the singer as telling reporters after the show, which regularly tops viewer ratings on New Year's Eve in Japan.

Japan TV apologizes for "topless" New Year's Eve shock

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Public broadcaster NHK was flooded with hundreds of complaints from viewers about costumes worn by dancers in a popular annual year-end show on Sunday, which made them look like they were gyrating in the nude, NHK officials said.

Announcer Tamio Miyake apologized for the costume during the program, saying: "We ended up causing misunderstanding to viewers. We're sorry."

NHK received over 250 complaints from viewers about the costumes, worn by female dancers dancing behind musician DJ OZMA during the annual "Kohaku Song Contest" program aired Sunday night. The costumes were body suits designed to resemble a woman's naked body.

"Are they dancing naked?" one of the viewers said in a phone call to NHK.

"It's inappropriate as children are viewing the program," another viewer complained.

NHK viewers up in arms over 'naked' dancers