Music Awards Japan 2026 Returns to Spotlight Asian Talent at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO

Music Awards Japan (MAJ) is set to return for its second annual edition on Saturday, 13 June 2026, solidifying its position as Japan’s largest international music awards platform. The highly anticipated ceremony will take place at the newly inaugurated TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, marking a milestone moment for both the venue and the region’s music industry.

Guided by its mission, “Connecting with the World and Illuminating the Future of Music,” MAJ 2026 builds on the overwhelming success of its debut edition. Last year’s ceremony featured powerhouse performances from artists including Fujii Kaze, YOASOBI, Creepy Nuts, and Mrs. GREEN APPLE. The event garnered more than 62 million views on YouTube and was televised nationwide by NHK, reaching a combined audience of 13.4 million viewers across platforms.

Expanding Its Reach Across Asia

Now evolving into a key pillar of the Asian music ecosystem, MAJ 2026 will present 66 awards that reflect the diversity and dynamism of today’s music landscape. Winners will be selected by a voting body of 5,000 artists and music industry professionals from across Asia, reinforcing the awards’ regional credibility and influence.

Eligible entries include songs and albums first digitally released or physically distributed between 1 January and 31 December 2025.

14 New Awards Introduced

This year, MAJ introduces 14 new categories as part of a redesigned framework aimed at better representing both Japanese and global music trends. The 2026 edition will feature:

• 6 Major Awards
• 21 Domestic Song Awards
• 12 International Song Awards
• 3 Album Awards
• 11 Artist Awards
• Additional special recognitions

Among the 12 international song awards are six International Special Awards, presented in collaboration with leading partner platforms such as Anugerah Musik Indonesia (Indonesia), Awit Awards (Philippines), TOTY Music Awards (Thailand), and Giải thưởng Âm nhạc Cống hiến (Vietnam).

The six major awards returning this year are:

• Song of the Year
• Artist of the Year
• New Artist of the Year
• Album of the Year
• Best Global Hit from Japan
• Best Song Asia

Championing Regional Voices

MAJ continues its commitment to spotlighting regional talent. Last year’s Best Song Asia nominee Regina Song described the awards platform as a vital beacon for emerging artists across Asia.

The International Special Awards will once again honor outstanding artists from South Korea, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, underscoring MAJ’s goal of fostering a more interconnected Asian music industry.

A Week-Long Celebration of Music

Beyond the main ceremony on 13 June, MAJ 2026 will host a full Awards Week from 8 to 13 June in Tokyo’s Ariake district. The programme will include live performances, industry seminars, and artist showcases featuring both Japanese and international participants.

On awards day, a Premiere Ceremony in the afternoon will honor specialised categories, followed by the evening Grand Ceremony and Red Carpet event celebrating the major awards.