The MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 (#MAJ2026), Japan's largest international music awards, established by the Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (#CEIPA) in collaboration with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), will hold its awards ceremony at the newly opened TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO in the Odaiba district on Saturday, June 13th, 2026.

#MAJ2026 features the 6 main categories: Best Song, Best Artist, Best New Artist, Best Album, Best Global Hit from Japan, and Best Asian Song. Furthermore, the categories will be redesigned from MAJ2025, with 14 new categories, to reflect the diverse cultures that color the music scenes in Japan and around the world. The people in the music industry will come together to create this event, aiming to bring Japanese and Asian music to the global stage.

The Press Conference for MUSIC JAPAN AWARDS 2026 was held on 5 November 2025 at Shibuya Google, emceed by Chris Peppler and Rina Yamamoto. Actor Kaito Sakurai, Comedian star Hikorohee, music writer Tomonori Shiba, and Isao Matsushima attended as guests.

Kaito Sakurai is known as the son of Kazutoshi Sakurai, the lead vocalist and frontman of the legendary Japanese rock band "Mr. Children". He has appeared in several recent films, including “Karada Sagashi: the Last Night”, “Oshi no Ko”, and  “Netflix's From Me To You: Kimi ni Todoke”. He was the drummer for the J-pop band “Inner Journey” (インナージャーニー ) until 2023, when he paused his musical activities to focus on his acting career.

He mentioned his interest in ONE OK ROCK for the "Best Album Award" nomination, noting that they were the catalyst for him starting his music career. Hikorohee expressed her high expectations for the newly established "Best Music Video Director Award", emphasizing the importance of Music Video directors' work in the streaming era.

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 is scheduled to take place on June 13th, 2026, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO.

MAJ2026 Keywords:

• From Japan Culture to Global

• Rivival Y2K

• Create a new value

To promote Japanese music on the global stage and enhance its popularity in overseas markets, many new categories, special prizes around the world, and Idol culture, both male and female, were added.

Best Song

Best Artist

Best New Artist

Best Album

Best Global Hit from Japan

Best Asian Song

J-pop 

Rock 

Hip-hop, Rap

Contemporary

Alternative

Dance & Vocal (Group/Solo)

Boys Idol Culture (Group/Solo)

Girls' Idol Culture (Group/Solo)

Enka (Japanese country song)

Dance - electronic 

Instrumental music

Best Anime Song

Best Vocaloid Culture Song

Best Cross-Border Collaboration

Best Viral

Back catalog group 

Long-running Hit Song

Revival Song

Best Japanese Song in Asia

Best Japanese Song in Europe

Best Japanese Song in North America

Best Japanese Song in Latin America

International Pop Song

International Rock Song

International Hip Hop/Rap Song

International R&B/Contemporary Song

Best International Alternative Song

Best K-POP Song Award

Korean Popular Music 

Chinese Popular Music 

Thai Popular Music 

Indonesian Popular Music 

Vietnamese Popular Music 

Philippine Popular Music

Best J-POP Artist 

Best Rock Band/Solo Artist

Best Hip Hop Unit/Solo Artist 

Best R&B/Contemporary Artist

Best Dance & Vocal Artist (Group/Solo)

Best Boys Idol Culture Artist (Group/Solo)

Best Girl Idol Culture Artist (Group/Solo)

Best Digital Culture Artist 

Best K-Pop Artist

Best DJ Award

MAJ Timeless Echo

Best long hit album

Classic album

Jazz album

Largest Live audition (Japan)

Largest Live audition (international)

Music Video - Best MV director

Sound engineer - Grand Prix engineer

Best Listener's Choice (Japan)

Best Listener's Choice (International)

Music Technology 

Music Technology 

Analog Record Sales

J-pop

Enka

INSTAGRAM 

Music Awards Japan Official: @maj_ceipa_official

Kaito Sakurai (actor, guest): @kaito_0413

Hiccorohee (Comedian, guest): @hiccorohee

Tomonori Shiba (music writer, guest): @shiba710

Chris Peppler (MC) @chrispeppleroffice

Rina Yamamoto: (MC) @rinayamamoto_0622

Official WEBSITE: https://www.musicawardsjapan.com/en