Japan's annual music competition Kohaku Uta Gassen announced its lineup, but it was noted that the White Team lacks three acts. Kohaku, taking place on New Year's Eve, is one of the country's most anticipated music festivals. The competition is traditionally split into two teams, the Red (females) and White (males), each performing musical acts throughout the night. The reason behind the White Team's shortfall remains unexplained.

Kohaku Uta Gassen is an essential part of New Year's celebration in Japan. It brings together top musicians and captures massive viewership every year. The teams' balance symbolizes harmony and parity, making this news a significant topic of discussion. It's a reflection of Japanese society's core values of balance and respect.

In the US or EU, popular music competitions like the Grammys or Eurovision are staged without the gender segregation of teams seen in Kohaku. While line-up changes and surprises could happen, they're typically revealed in a more planned manner, rather than seeming as discrepancies.