Japan TV apologises for "topless" New Year's Eve shock

TOKYO, Jan 1 (Reuters) 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.

REUTERS AKJ BD0855