The annual 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' (Red and White Song Battle), a popular and high-profile music event in Japan, has sparked controversy this year due to significant differences in performance durations allocated to various artists. Viewers have expressed concern and initiated debates on social media platforms, questioning the fairness of allocation. Details on which artists were allotted more or less time have not been disclosed as of now. The event's organizer, NHK, have yet to comment on this matter.

Kohaku Uta Gassen, held every New Year's Eve, is considered a prestigious event and greatly anticipated by the public. Differences within the show reflect cultural aspects and societal conversations, like gender and professional bias, hence they often lead to public scrutiny. The issue reflects the value Japanese people place on fairness and equality, which are central to their societal norms.

In the US or the EU, similar issues have also been pointed out in various high-profile music shows and awards. Controversies related to gender or racial disparities, for example, have been a common occurrence. However, venues for public debate and the influence of such conversations might differ due to the unique media landscapes and societal structure in these regions.