THE MUSIC DAY 2026 revealed its fourth batch of performers on June 27, with a notable collaboration between singer HANA and entertainer Watanabe Naomi taking center stage.

The annual music special airs July 4 on Nippon Television, broadcasting live for 9.5 hours from Makuhari Messe in Chiba. This year's theme is "The Story of Music."

HANA and Watanabe's first-time collaboration will take viewers on a journey through iconic New York venues, including Town Hall and Broadway theaters. The segment culminates with HANA performing live in Times Square, capturing the energy of the city's heart.

The fourth lineup announcement brings the total performer roster to include K-pop acts NCT WISH, IVE, INI, TREASURE, and &TEAM, alongside Japanese artists like NiziU, Snow Man, SixTONES, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER members BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN, and HUENINGKAI.

Other notable additions include veteran performers Masaharu Fukuyama, Ayaka Hirahara, and Hisashi Shimaya, as well as comedians Yo Oizumi and Naomi Watanabe in her special project role.

The broadcast will be hosted by Sho Sakurai, with MCs Shinichi Hatori, Bakurizu, and Asami Mizuto (NTV announcer) guiding viewers through the lineup.

THE MUSIC DAY has become one of Japan's biggest televised music events, featuring performances from established stars and rising artists. The 2026 edition continues this tradition while adding international flair with the New York-centric collaboration featuring HANA, whose presence reflects growing crossover appeal between Japanese and global music markets.

Fans can tune in July 4 starting at 1:30 PM JST for the full 9.5-hour broadcast.