Japanese music programs rely on 80s archival footage

Japanese music television programs are increasingly relying on archival footage from the 1980s, a trend attributed to declining viewership and changing audience habits. Networks like NHK and TV Asahi have frequently featured 80s-era music specials to appeal to older demographics, particularly those aged 50 and above.

Industry insiders note that even when 80s stars like Masahiko Kondo appear on programs such as ‘Uta Con’, live performances are often replaced by past video clips. This strategy is reportedly used to prevent viewers from changing channels during full songs, as audiences are perceived to have shorter attention spans. Additionally, the difficulty of booking major legendary idols for ensemble performances has contributed to the heavy use of historical footage.