Despite NHK confirming that Aespa will appear on this year’s prestigious Kōhaku Uta Gassen (NHK’s annual New Year’s Eve music festival), backlash in Japan continues to rise, largely centered around group member Ningning.
On December 3, Japanese outlet Sankei Shimbun reported that more than 120,000 people have now signed an online petition demanding Aespa be removed from the show.
Why the Issue Reappeared
The controversy stems from a 2022 Instagram post in which Ningning shared a photo of a decorative lamp shaped like a mushroom cloud, visually similar to the explosion shape associated with the atomic bomb.
At the time, the post sparked anger among some Japanese netizens.
Recently, political tension between China and Japan intensified following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about potential involvement in a “Taiwan emergency.” As online discussions reignited, Ningning’s old photo resurfaced and became the center of debate again.
NHK Responds: “No Intention to Mock Atomic Bomb Victims”
NHK executive Yamana Hiroo addressed the issue at the National Diet, stating Aespa’s participation in the 76th Kōhaku Uta Gassen on December 31 will proceed as planned:
NHK confirmed with Aespa’s agency that there was no intention to belittle or mock atomic bomb victims in the 2022 post.
He emphasized that the broadcaster independently evaluates:
- The artists’ achievements over the year
- Public support
- The suitability of performers for the show’s theme and direction
Thus, NHK sees no grounds to cancel Aespa’s appearance.
But Criticism Continues
Sankei Shimbun further reported that lamps resembling the one Ningning bought are listed on some Korean online shopping sites with keywords such as:
- “Hiroshima atomic bomb”
- “Nuclear explosion mushroom cloud”
This detail fueled more skepticism among critics who question NHK’s assessment.
As of the morning of December 4, the petition opposing Aespa’s Kōhaku appearance had surpassed 120,000 signatures, reflecting deepening public debate in Japan.
A Symbol of Worsening China–Japan Relations?
Chinese outlet Chengdu Daily commented that Aespa’s finalized participation in Kōhaku could act as a symbolic indicator of current China–Japan tensions:
“Whether Aespa stands on the Kōhaku stage as scheduled may serve as a barometer for the level of strain between the two countries.”
While Aespa themselves have made no public statement, the issue continues to grow beyond the entertainment world, becoming tied to broader cultural and political discussions.
Editor’s Insight
The storm surrounding aespa’s Kōhaku debut is a stark reminder of how fragile the intersection of pop culture and high-stakes diplomacy can be in 2026. While NHK initially stood firm, the convergence of Ningning’s past social media slip-up and the sudden chill in China-Japan relations created a PR minefield that eventually saw her sit out the performance due to “flu-like symptoms.” It’s a bittersweet outcome; while the remaining members delivered a technically flawless performance, the “8:15 PM” timing conspiracy that followed proves that when political tensions are this high, even a random time slot can be weaponized into a scandal. In the end, the music was almost overshadowed by a petition of 120,000 voices, highlighting that for global idols today, the stage is never just a stage—it’s a lightning rod for nationalistic anxieties that aren’t easily silenced by a press release.