The Music Awards Japan 2026 will feature 78 categories, with a ceremony on June 13. KenTaro Nakajima and Mei Hata are ambassadors.
March/20/2026 12:15Related Groups & Members
The "MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026" (MAJ) announced details of all 78 categories to be awarded at the ceremony on June 13, along with the entries. This year’s MAJ ambassadors are Kento Nakajima and Mei Hata. Details of the MAJ Award Week starting June 5 have also been revealed. "MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN" is the largest international music award in Japan, with the concept of "connecting with the world and lighting the future of music." The second edition, "MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026," will be held on June 13 (Saturday) at the Grand Ceremony at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. A total of 78 categories will be awarded, with approximately 2,000 entries and artists confirmed. The Grand Ceremony, which awards the main categories, will be broadcast live on NHK, while the red carpet event will be shown on NHK BS. The Premiere Ceremony, which awards categories other than the main ones, will be broadcast on TOKYO MX. Additionally, both the Premiere and Grand Ceremonies will be globally streamed on YouTube, with live broadcasts on NTT Docomo's Lemino, ABEMA, and radiko. Short content will also be shared on social media platforms like Spotify, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Voting for the entries by 5,000 music professionals has begun. Nominated works will be announced on April 30, and award winners will be revealed at the ceremony on June 13. The award week from June 5 to June 13 will feature various performances by artists and seminars and showcases by music industry professionals. Events include the LisAni! LIVE on TOKYO ANIME MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS and enka/kayo live performances, heating up the music scene centered around Odaiba's Aomi area. Approximately 2,000 entries and artists have been announced. In the six main categories, 100 songs are nominated for Best Song, 100 artists for Best Artist, 50 for Best New Artist, 100 works for Best Album, 100 songs for Best Global Hit from Japan, and 21 songs for Best Asian Song. Other categories have also been announced, totaling around 2,000 entries and artists. All entries are listed on the official "MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN" website, with notable entries from South Korea attracting attention. Notable entries for Best Song include BLACKPINK's "JUMP," ILLIT's "Almond Chocolate," LE SSERAFIM's "DIFFERENT" and "SPAGHETTI (feat. j-hope of BTS)," ENHYPEN's "Shine On Me," TWICE's "THIS IS FOR," and others. For Best Artist, entries include Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, TWICE, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, LE SSERAFIM, ZEROBASEONE, ENHYPEN, aespa, BLACKPINK's Rosé & Bruno Mars, ILLIT, BABYMONSTER, BLACKPINK, BTS's Jin, BLACKPINK's Jennie, and TREASURE. Many Korean artists are included in other categories, raising expectations for awards. This year, the awards have expanded to 78 categories, including six main categories, with a focus on artists, creators, and staff, introducing new categories for live staff and creators. The event details are as follows: "MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026" will be held on June 13, 2026, with the award week from June 5 to June 13, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. Supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), with sponsorship from Tokyo and the Japan Foundation. Voting criteria include musical creativity and artistic excellence. The first voting period is from March 19 to April 8, 2026, and the final voting period is from April 30 to May 20, 2026. Voting will be conducted online through the dedicated MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN voting system.
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