About Namie and Utada refusing the invitations - You know I think it's more their fans who believe it is the case. No one's mad enough to keep sending the invitations when they know they'll be refused. Utada Hikaru hasn't released anything since HEART STATION. She wasn't really relevant in 2009/2010 (so far), so I wouldn't be surprised even if she didn't get invited. Considering that JUJU and a few other female singers were really successful this year and didn't get invited, I dunno why are some surprised. Maybe the reason Namie isn't there anymore is because she might've refused to cover her tattoos? Who knows. Saying that they simply refused the invitations means little without proof and is just fan gossip ^^ The only thing that I find annoying on that list are the annoying kpop idol groups like SNSD and KARA who barely debuted in Japan some time ago >_> Hopefully they won't be there for real. On another hand I'd love to see AAA at Kohaku at last!

^Utada herself said she refuses Kouhaku invitations^^

Oh, I did not know that...why does she reject Kouhaku invitations?

because she's awesome

Congratulaaaaaaaaations

Congratulaaaaaaaaations

Congratz!!!!! :shimmy

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/...ber-bigtop.png

When was the last time she has said it?

^http://jetwit.com/wordpress/2009/06/...ustin-tedaldi/

^ Alright, but that still doesn't say when was the last time she got invited. The chaos and partying lol no one makes you stay there during the whole show (Ayu leaves the moment her performance ends for the CDL) and Ai Otsuka wore some pretty weird costumes there, so I have a feeling both the interviewer and Hikki are talking about a different show lol

Well remember that these are not complete lists.

Namie and Hikki could still be there...not likely though lol

tbh I think that they still invite Hikki and Namie, even if they know they will refuse. It's a...whats this word...i dont know, just for show, type of thing.

It would be quite impolite of them not to invite two of the biggest and most loved stars in Japan.

I mean, could you imagine the ruckus that would be caused if either of them were ever to complain? Not that they would.


Meh. Fans always seem to build up this whole image like "Oh Hikki's too good for that, she always refuses them." But it actually does her more harm than them...so...they ought to really stop. But in all, it's not really that big a deal for either side lol

^Well, it's not like it does harm to any sides... We tend to overrate tons of stuff not even Japanese care that much over here... Lots of big acts refused to be on it, like Hibari Misora, the biggest japanese singer ever...

Can't deny both Hikki and Namie have their reasons... Utada is most likelly an anti-diva, the total opposite of Kouhaku... While Namie put her son over her career, what is already old news to everyone...

If NHK studios weren't so close to where Ayu has her Countdown, I doubt she would go there instead of her own concert...

many great artists! hope so