Ayase currently plays the lead role in NHK’s Taiga drama “Yae no Sakura“; in addition, she’s also one of the most popular actress and has been active in both TV dramas and movies. As a judge of last year’s Kohaku, Ayase is nervous to be this year’s chairman though she also said that it was her ambition to convey the splendor of music with Arashi.
On the other hand, this is the 4th consecutive year that the 5-member Arashi will host the show. Sakurai Sho commented that being the chairpersons, they were supported by all singers who participated and that they only wanted to connect to the world through songs.
In addition, Ninomiya Kazunari said that he will work hard as possible so that the singers will be able to convey their songs as easily as possible.
NHK’s New Year’s Eve song show theme will be “Uta ga koko ni aru” (A song is right here).
The 64th Kohaku Uta Gassen will be broadcasted at NHK starting at 7:15PM (JST) on Dec 31st.
Source
There was a rumor about this before but it's just been confirmed so I thought I'd post it.