Earlier today, the list of performers for the “74th Kohaku Uta Gassen” was released. NHK also released a list of guidelines for the show that are meant to protect human rights.
The guidelines are:
- Human rights and individuality are to be respected at every stage of content creation. We aim to create a disciplined production site where everyone can display their abilities to the fullest.
- At the production site, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, disability, political ideology, sex, age, gender, or any other reason will not be tolerated.
- We do not tolerate labor practices that violate human rights, such as forced labor.
- We respect the human rights of children, and do not condone child labor or abuse. Regarding underage performers, we will comply with related laws and regulations such as the Labor Standards Act.
- Considering the physical and mental health of each performer, we strive to ensure a safe and secure environment.
- All NHK officials and employees respect the human rights of the performers. We ask that all business partners of the performers, such as talent agencies, consent to these guidelines.
Given the content of these guidelines, it appears that this is NHK’s reaction to the Johnny Kitagawa sexual abuse scandal. Talents from the company he founded will not be part of this year’s show for the first time in over 40 years.
