TOKYO, Japan — Japan’s biggest celebration of music returned on an even grander scale as the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ) 2026 Grand Ceremony brought together the country’s most influential artists, producers, creators and industry leaders at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO on June 13. Hosted by actor and musician Masaki Suda, the second edition of the international awards ceremony further established itself as Japan’s premier music awards event, recognizing excellence across pop, rock, hip-hop, anime music, idol culture and global achievements. Organized by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), the awards continue to position Japanese music on the international stage through a voting process involving more than 5,000 music professionals.
Following last year’s successful inaugural ceremony in Kyoto, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN moved to the newly opened TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, reflecting the rapid growth of an event designed to celebrate the diversity of Japan’s music industry while strengthening its global presence. Throughout the evening, fans witnessed emotional acceptance speeches, unforgettable collaborations, world-class live performances and recognition for artists who have shaped the soundtrack of the past year.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE Named Artist of the Year Again
The night’s highest honor, Artist of the Year, went to Mrs. GREEN APPLE, marking the band’s second consecutive victory in the category. Their continued dominance reflects another remarkable year of commercial success, critical acclaim and sold-out performances.
The category featured an exceptionally competitive lineup that highlighted the diversity of contemporary Japanese music:
- Winner: Mrs. GREEN APPLE
- Fujii Kaze
- HANA
- Sakanaction
- Kenshi Yonezu
Mrs. GREEN APPLE also energized the audience by opening the second half of the Grand Ceremony with a stadium-scale performance that immediately set the tone for one of the year’s biggest nights in Japanese music.
Sakanaction’s “Kaiju” Dominates the Competition
Few songs defined the past year quite like “Kaiju” by Sakanaction.
The track captured Song of the Year, while also earning recognition as Best Rock Song, Best Anime Song, and Best Music Video, making it one of the evening’s biggest success stories.
Song of the Year Nominees
- Winner: “Kaiju” — Sakanaction
- “Blue Jeans” — HANA
- “IRIS OUT” — Kenshi Yonezu
- “Kakumei Douchu – On The Way” — Aina the End
- “Suki Sugite Metsu!” — M!LK
Sakanaction’s powerful live performance of “Kaiju” became one of the ceremony’s defining moments, demonstrating why the band remains one of Japan’s most innovative rock acts.
Fujii Kaze Wins Album of the Year
Another major winner was Fujii Kaze, whose album “Prema” claimed Album of the Year.
The award recognized one of the year’s most critically acclaimed releases, with “Prema” standing out for its musical sophistication, emotional songwriting and global appeal.
Album of the Year Nominees
- Winner: Prema — Fujii Kaze
- 10 — Mrs. GREEN APPLE
- Dear Jubilee -RADWIMPS TRIBUTE- — Various Artists
- Gen — Gen Hoshino
- THANK YOU SO MUCH — Southern All Stars
Fujii Kaze later delivered an emotionally charged live performance from the album, further cementing his reputation as one of Japan’s most distinctive contemporary artists.
HANA Takes New Artist of the Year
Among the evening’s breakout moments was HANA, who captured New Artist of the Year.
Competing against fellow emerging acts CANDY TUNE, luv, STARGLOW, and Brandy Senki, HANA’s victory highlighted one of Japan’s fastest-rising new talents.
The group also earned a nomination for Song of the Year with “Blue Jeans,” underscoring its rapid rise within the Japanese music industry.
XG Earns Best Global Hit from Japan
As Japanese artists continue expanding their international reach, XG received Best Global Hit from Japan for “HYPNOTIZE.”
The category recognized songs that achieved significant international impact and featured strong competition from:
- Kenshi Yonezu – “IRIS OUT”
- Kenshi Yonezu & Hikaru Utada – “JANE DOE”
- LiSA featuring Felix of Stray Kids – “ReawakeR”
- Ado – “Ussewa”
The award reflected MAJ’s growing emphasis on promoting Japanese music worldwide while celebrating artists who continue to build international audiences.
Genre Awards Celebrate the Diversity of Japanese Music
Beyond the major categories, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN recognized excellence across multiple genres, reflecting the remarkable diversity of Japan’s contemporary music landscape.
Among the notable winners:
- Best Rock Song: “Kaiju” — Sakanaction
- Best Alternative Song: “Koe” — Hitsujibungaku
- Best Anime Song: “Kaiju” — Sakanaction
- Best Boys Idol Culture Song: “Suki Sugite Metsu!” — M!LK
- Best Girls Idol Culture Song: “Tokubechu Shite” — FRUITS ZIPPER
- Best Song Asia: “Golden” — HUNTR/X
- MAJ Timeless Echo Award: Tatsuro Yamashita
- Best Music Video: “Kaiju” — Sakanaction (Directed by Yusuke Tanaka)
These awards illustrated the breadth of Japanese music, from mainstream pop and rock to anime, idol culture and legacy artists whose influence continues to shape future generations.
Star-Studded Presenters Add Prestige
The ceremony featured an impressive lineup of presenters representing music, film and entertainment.
Host Masaki Suda guided audiences through the evening, while awards were presented by acclaimed actor Ken Watanabe, actress and model Tao Okamoto, celebrated dancer Min Tanaka, K-pop pioneer J.Y. Park, and veteran entertainer Masaaki Sakai, whose appearance during the Enka ceremony highlighted the event’s commitment to honoring every generation of Japanese music.
Their participation reflected MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN’s ambition to bridge film, television, dance and music into a single celebration of Japanese culture.
Spectacular Performances Define the Evening
The Grand Ceremony delivered nearly three hours of memorable performances, balancing contemporary hits with tributes to Japan’s musical heritage.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE opened the second half of the show with a high-energy stadium production before a succession of headline performances from Fujii Kaze, Sakanaction, Kenshi Yonezu, MISAMO, M!LK, and FRUITS ZIPPER.
International superstar Sam Smith made history as the first major Western pop artist to perform on the MAJ Grand Stage, debuting the new song “My Guy” in one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
A Celebration of Anime Music
Anime continued to demonstrate its enormous cultural influence through a special tribute led by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
The performance opened with “Theme from Lupin the Third ’78” in honor of the late composer Yuji Ohno, before welcoming LiSA, TAKUMA (10-FEET) and Aina the End for a cross-genre collaboration celebrating anime music’s enduring popularity.
The segment highlighted how anime soundtracks have become one of Japan’s strongest musical exports, reaching audiences around the globe.
Billboard Japan and Spotify Spotlight Women in Music
One of the evening’s most powerful collaborative segments was the EQUAL STAGE, presented by Billboard Japan and Spotify.
The showcase celebrated women shaping Japan’s contemporary music scene through consecutive performances by:
- ATARASHII GAKKO!
- Awich
- Hitsujibungaku
- LANA
Together, the artists demonstrated the diversity of female voices driving today’s Japanese music industry, spanning pop, rock, hip-hop and alternative genres.
Honoring Musical Legacy
MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN also paid tribute to Japan’s rich musical history.
A special segment celebrating legendary songwriter Eiichi Ohtaki brought together artists across generations before culminating in a surprise appearance by veteran singer Akira Kobayashi.
The emotional tribute served as a reminder that while the ceremony celebrates today’s biggest stars, it also recognizes the pioneers whose work laid the foundation for Japan’s modern music industry.
MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN Continues Its Global Expansion
Only in its second year, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN has rapidly established itself as one of Asia’s most significant music awards ceremonies.
By combining industry voting, international participation, live global streaming and performances that span generations and genres, MAJ continues to strengthen Japan’s position within the global music landscape while providing an international platform for domestic artists.
With Mrs. GREEN APPLE successfully defending Artist of the Year, Sakanaction emerging as one of the ceremony’s biggest winners, Fujii Kaze earning Album of the Year, and HANA crowned New Artist of the Year, the 2026 ceremony celebrated both established superstars and the next generation of Japanese music.
As the event continues to grow, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN is rapidly becoming not only Japan’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards, but also a showcase of Asian music culture for audiences around the world.
Official Links
- Official MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN Website: MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN
- Nominees: Official Nominees List
- Grand Ceremony Information: Grand Ceremony Overview
- Official YouTube Channel: MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN YouTube
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