Japan's beloved annual music competition, the 'Kōhaku Uta Gassen', broadcast by NHK, has recently seen a significant increase in 'medley' performances. The show, traditionally aired on New Year's Eve, has artists performing individual songs. However, with the sudden surge of medley numbers, fans and viewers are witnessing a cultural shift in the format. The reason behind this trend remains a matter of discussion.

The 'Kōhaku Uta Gassen' is a significant cultural event in Japan that coalesces the nation's fascination with pop culture and music. The surprising increase in medley performances, meaning multiple songs are being linked and performed as one, implies a shift in viewer preferences and a potential change in Japan's pop culture landscape.

In contrast to Japan, music festivals in the US or EU often feature bands or artists performing their own sets. However, they do appreciate and occasionally bring artist collaborations onstage for fusion performances, not entirely dissimilar to medleys. The trend of medleys in Japanese music shows may be comparable to the popularity of mashups in Western music culture.