Overseasidol.com — An unexpected and exciting moment unfolded backstage at NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen 2026, as legendary Japanese idol group AKB48 posed for a photo with rising Korean girl group ILLIT, sparking massive online buzz.
Representing AKB48 were iconic first-generation members Atsuko Maeda and Yuko Oshima, alongside current members Yui Oguri and Momoka Ito.
From ILLIT, popular members MOKA and WONHEE joined the photo.
The groups were seen flashing finger-heart poses, showcasing a warm and friendly atmosphere that resonated with fans across generations.
In a video uploaded to the AKB48’s TikTok account, the members and ILLIT performed together, dancing to the legendary song “Heavy Rotation”.
@akb48_official_tiktok ILLITの #MOKA さん #WONHEE さん、前田敦子さん・大島優子さんと❕#ヘビーローテーション 🎀🎶 コラボありがとうございました♥️🤍 @ILLIT #ILLIT さん #아일릿 小栗有以 @小栗有以 伊藤百花 @いとう ももか ♬ Heavy Rotation Intro ver. – AKB48
The image quickly went viral, celebrated as a rare and symbolic meeting between two different eras of idol culture.
This historic encounter took place backstage at Kouhaku Uta Gassen 2025, Japan’s most prestigious year-end music program, known for bringing together top artists from various countries and generations.
Fans praised the moment as both nostalgic and forward-looking—honoring AKB48’s enduring legacy while highlighting ILLIT’s growing global presence.
Many are now hoping this interaction could lead to future collaborations between J-pop and K-pop idols.
