Nozomi Ohashi and Seishiro Kato to lead kids on NHK's 'Kohaku' song contest

Popular young celebrities Nozomi Ohashi, 10, and Seishiro Kato, 8, will chair the kids corner on NHK's "Kohaku Uta Gassen" (Red and White Singing Contest) held on New Year's Eve. It will be the first time for the pair to appear together, and Ohashi will captain the kids on the red team, while Kato will lead the white team.

A total of four songs will be sung by kids and SMAP's Shingo Katori, 32, will be the judge, dressing up as a police officer as per his character in this year's TV adaptation of "Kochikame."

Ohashi got her break last year singing the theme song for "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea," and made history as the youngest person to appear on NHK's annual show. Since then, she has appeared in various commercials, demonstrating the versatility of TOEX's Garden Room Zima and rocking on stage for Calbee's Potato Chips. Kato made it big this year after appearing in commercials as Toyota's child manager and went on to pick up an award for the role at this month's ceremony for buzz words in 2009.

Kato said he was elated to be on the show as it was something he has watched with his family every year, and said he thought he'll get nervous but hopes to enjoy it. Ohashi said she was surprised to be back on the show this year but said she'd do her best with Kato.

The young pair were asked about their impressions of each other. Kato said Ohashi was very cute, while Ohashi said Kato was cute and small. Kato was all smiles until the female reporter asked how he felt about being called small. Kato looked a little awkward after that and was reserved for the rest of the interview.

The 60th Red and White Singing Contest will air on NHK from 7.15 p.m on Dec 31. As the kids are under 18, they will perform before 8 p.m, in accordance with child labor laws.

© Japan Today