Johnny's and Kouhaku

So I just read this article on Asianfanatics.net and... first, I hope it's not true, next if it is, I'm kind of disappointed.

Kouhaku is a really important show in Japan. I know, the ratings are slipping which obviously means it is "losing it's importance" but I don't think that is a reason to just throw it away, nor is it s areason to just abandon tradition and what this concert was first made for. Johnny's trying to force groups into Kouhaku is a big "NO" in my book and a very bad decision. Groups like SMAP and even TOKIO, and recently Arashi (due to their popularity) I can understand. They've been on Kouhaku before. But using Arashi as a MEANS to force OTHER groups in? Not only do I think that is insulting to the show, Kouhaku, but to other artists who DESERVE and WORKED HARD to actually be INVITED. Also I think it's not good for Arashi. I know they don't play a part it in, after all it's the company doing it but somehow ... I just feel if this really happens Arashi might be blamed slightly too. >.<

I know that by default Johnny's idols are pretty damn 'popular' already but there are honestly, so many other artists in Japan that some people tend to forget that it's not ALL about Johnny's Entertainment. There are a lot of really good artists who work hard to get their popularity and their sales and it's because they are actually GOOD artists. (No offense but I wouldn't say that all Johnny's are excellent singers nor dancers). I love JE but I've seen Kouhaku and I feel that if Johnny's does this he is ruining something really traditional and special that should be left untainted.

I also feel bad for NHK because they are so pressured for ratings yet it seems at the same time they don't want to throw away the tradition of Kouhaku either. It's like a catch 22. Bow down to Johnny's and get the ratings, or keep up a long-standing tradition special to Japan and watch the ratings fall?