An annual event inspired by NHK's year-end music festival was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Sunday. Brazilians with Japanese ancestry took the stage to show their skills at singing Japanese songs.

It was the 26th time the contest has taken place. The event is aimed at passing Japanese songs and culture on to younger generations.

Brazil has the world's largest community of Japanese descendants outside of Japan.

This year, 64 contestants whose ages ranged from five to over 80 took part. Most had won local karaoke contests.

Many wore elaborate costumes and sang pop songs in the Japanese "enka" genre.

A 12-year-old contestant, Morita Yuji, sang a hit song by "enka" singer Kitajima Saburo.

Morita said he likes singing Japanese songs because of how they make him feel. He said he dreams of becoming a professional singer and going to Japan to sing with Kitajima.

One of the event's organizers, Ebihara Tadao, said the number of young Japanese Brazilians who try to learn Japanese is falling. He said he wants to continue holding the event because people can learn Japan's language and culture by enjoying songs.