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NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen

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Kohaku Uta Gassen, more commonly known as simply Kohaku, is an annual music show on New Year's Eve produced by Japanese public broadcaster NHK and broadcast on both television and radio, nationally and internationally by NHK's networks and some overseas (mainly cable) broadcasters which bought the program. The show ends shortly before midnight (when NHK switches to a frenzy of "Happy New Year" greetings from around the nation). 

Literally "Red and White Song Battle," the program divides the most popular music artists of the year into competing teams of red and white. The "red" team or akagumi is composed of all female artists (or groups with female vocals), while the "white" team or shirogumi is all male (or groups with male vocals). 

The honor of performing on Kohaku is strictly by invitation, so only the most successful J-Pop artists and enka singers can perform. In addition to the actual music performances, the costumes, hair-styles, makeup, dancing, and lighting are also important. Even today, a performance on Kohaku is said to be a big highlight in a singer's career because of the show's large reach. 

At the end of the show, the audience and a panel of judges notable celebrities who may or may not have a connection to the music industry?vote to select the winning team. In the past, the audience vote has been composed of a head count of the venue audience members, who can vote for either team (NHK Hall, which has been the venue for most Kohaku editions since 1971, can seat 3,000 people). This counted as one vote. 

Aside from the performances, there are special performances where certain performers do their act together, and the so-called "Ring Show" where performers from both teams take part in a "singing exercise." 

Royal Address to the National Diet of Japan（excerpt）

By　 His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck 

The Bhutanese people have always held a strong affection for Japan and shared emotionally in the success of your great nation over the decades. 

Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March it was deeply moving to see so many Bhutanese visit temples and monasteries around the country offering butter lamps, in their humble yet genuine efforts to provide comfort and support to the Japanese people. 

I, myself, remember watching the news of the tsunami unfold ? sitting helpless and unable to do anything. 

I have waited ever since to be able to say to you ? that I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering of families who lost loved ones ? for those who lost their livelihoods ? for the young whose lives have been completely altered ? for the nation of Japan that must rebuild life after such great disaster. 

No nation or people should ever have to experience such suffering. And yet if there is one nation who can rise stronger and greater from such adversity ? it is Japan and her People. Of this I am confident. On your path to rebuilding and restoring of lives, we the Bhutanese people stand with you ? humble in our power to provide material assistance but heartfelt and true, in our friendship, solidarity and goodwill. 

Your Excellencies, we, in Bhutan, have always thought of the Japanese people as our fellow brothers and sisters. Our two Peoples are united by our commitment to - family, integrity and honour; to placing the aspirations of the community and country before one's own desires ? to raising the common good above the self. 

2011 is a special year in our relations ? it marks the 25th anniversary of our diplomatic ties. Yet, the Bhutanese people have always had a special affection for Japan that goes beyond our formal ties. I know that my father and his generation watched with pride as Japan led Asia into the modern world decades ago ? as you brought confidence and a sense of an Asian destiny to what was then a developing region ? and as you inspired so many countries who have since followed Japan into the forefront of the world economy. Japan was and continues to be a leader. Even more so today ? because in this globalized world Japan is an example of strength in technology and innovation, of hard work and commitment and of strong age-old values. 

The world always identified Japan as a people of great honour, pride and discipline ? a people with a proud tradition in history ? who approach everything with tenacity, determination and a desire to excel ? a people of unity in thought and action; of brotherhood and fraternity and unfailing strength and fortitude. 

I must humbly state, that this is not a myth ? this is a reality that was displayed in your response to the unfortunate economic recession of past years and to the natural disaster in March. You displayed the true qualities of Japan and her people. 

What would have shattered other nations and caused anarchy, chaos and lament - was met by the Japanese people with quiet dignity, confidence, discipline and strength of heart, even under the worst of circumstances. 

For this strength has seen Japan rise again and again, throughout history, from every setback to its status as one of the most successful nations in the world. And even more remarkable is the manner in which Japan has always, without hesitation, shared her success with people in all corners of the world. 

Your Excellencies, I speak from the heart, and on behalf of all Bhutanese. I am no expert or academic ? just a simple man with a deep affection for Japan. 

You have our full commitment and support. 

I hereby pledge that it shall be my constant endeavor to further strengthen and deepen the bonds between our two people. Once again I convey the prayers and good wishes of the People of Bhutan to the People of Japan. 

With Your Excellency's permission, I would like to say a prayer in my own language ? "May Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress enjoy good health and happiness. And may the sun of peace, security and prosperity forever shine on the beautiful Nation and People of Japan." 

Thank you, Your Excellencies!? 

Nasa telescope finds Earth-like planet

Nasa has found a new planet outside Earth's solar system that is eerily similar in important aspects. 

Scientists say the temperature on the surface of the planet is around 22 Celsius. Its star could almost be a twin of Earth's sun. It probably has water and land. 

It was found in the middle of the habitable zone, making it the best potential target for life. 

The discovery announced today was made by Nasa's Kepler planet-hunting telescope. This is the first time Kepler confirmed a planet outside Earth's solar system in the habitable zone. 

Twice before astronomers have announced planets found in that zone, but neither was as promising. One was disputed; the other is on the hot edge of the zone.