Japanese TV Network Apologizes for "Topless" Dancers on New Years Eve Show

How was your New Years Eve? Too bad you weren't in Japan. This story comes to us from the New Zealand Herald:

A troupe of dancers in skin-coloured body suits had Japanese national broadcaster NHK apologising to viewers of its New Year's Eve music special for what seemed to be a full-scale Janet Jackson-style wardrobe malfunction.

The dancers, who all appeared to be topless and wore skimpy bikini-style bottoms and feathered head-dresses, covered the stage during a performance by singer DJ OZMA, prompting about 250 viewers to phone in and complain.

"The dancers were wearing body suits, but we apologise for any misunderstanding," a presenter announced towards the end of the 57th annual Red and White Song Contest.

"I guess it looked a bit too real," local media quoted the singer as telling reporters after the show, which regularly tops viewer ratings on New Year's Eve in Japan.

It's a couple of minutes in to this 5 minute clip, but well worth it.