The 61st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen (第61回NHK紅白歌合戦), referred to from hereon as "Kōhaku", aired on December 31, 2010, from NHK Hall in Japan.
This was the last time the Kōhaku was broadcast in analog television transmission.
As of July 24, 2011 the digital television switchover throughout Japan will occur, when analog signals (both terrestrial/over-the-air and satellite) will be shut off and rendered obsolete.
The 61st Kōhaku was broadcast in Hi-Vision (high definition) between 19:30 and 23:45, with a five-minute break for news between 21:25 and 21:30.
Names in bold letters did not perform in the preceding year's program.