EBiDAN

Attention in Japan is turning to this year's NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, the year-end song battle. Outlets are speculating when the performer lineup will be announced based on past years' patterns, and reports say competition is intensifying over the boy group slots, with STARTO reportedly wary of rising acts like M!LK and other EBiDAN groups. NHK has also opened applications for studio audience seats.