On December 18, 2012, NHK announced it will broadcast Kōhaku live using ultra-high-definition television technology from two locations: Tokyo Tower and at NHK's Yokohama station.
The 63rd event is faced with controversy over the non-existence of acts from South Korea[16] In one source, it is suspected that government-funded NHK avoided inviting Korean acts because of the territorial disputes over Liancourt Rocks between the South Korean and Japanese governments.
Sports Chosun reported on a statement made by an NHK representative.
"The fact that President Lee Myung Bak has demanded an apology is a great factor.
Considering this, viewers might have ill feelings about the K-pop stars appearing," said the NHK representative.