Music Awards Japan Returns for 2026

Tokyo, Japan — MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN, Japan's largest international music award, is back for 2026.

Organized by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), the second installment of the prestigious ceremony will take place at the brand-new TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, set to open in October 2025.

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ) is Japan's largest international music award, built around the concept of “Connecting with the World and illuminating the Future of Music.” The event aims to showcase music from Japan and across Asia to the world, elevate Japan's music industry to the global stage, and support international artists hoping to enter the Japanese market. MAJ seeks to shape the future of music in Japan and beyond.

At MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025, winners in 62 categories were selected from over 3,000 entries based on voting by artists and music industry professionals from all over the world. The award ceremony held at ROHM Theatre Kyoto was streamed worldwide on YouTube.

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 will expand further on the inaugural edition. The ceremony will be held at the new TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO and will feature a wide array of performances from artists representing a variety of style, as well as seminars and showcases with music industry professionals from Japan and abroad. Details on the categories and voting methods will be announced in the near future.

Statement by Tatsuya Nomura, MAJ Executive Committee Chair

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN. Our inaugural edition in May 2025 created a valuable opportunity to share the joy and power of music with professionals and fans not only in Japan, but across the world. It was an unforgettable experience, and at the same time, it strengthened our commitment to ensure that MAJ continues to grow as a truly historic platform for Japan, Asia and the global music scene.

After launching in Kyoto, the award ceremony will move to Tokyo in 2026. This reflects our long-term vision to establish MAJ as a hub for sharing the richness of Japanese and Asian music with the world. To do that, we wanted to bring it to Japan's capital and one of the world's most beloved cities. Since the first edition, we have received invaluable feedback from both inside and outside the industry, and we are currently exploring new developments for 2026. To honor artists, creators, and staff, we are carefully reviewing and redesigning categories so that we can present an even stronger award program in the year ahead.

Looking forward, our goal is to create a global stage where diverse talent can come together and inspire audiences worldwide. Through powerful performances, we will continue to expand the circle of emotion and connection from Japan to Asia and beyond. Together with all of you, I look forward to making 2026 another year of shaping the future of music.

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025
Premiere Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSW0zRbamAM
Grand Ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJW9x2b4O6c
Enka/Kayokyoku Live Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDPrEnxptEc
MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 Digest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x7mCjHxLfc

Official “MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN” Website & Social Channels
Website: https://www.musicawardsjapan.com/ja/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MAJ_ceipa_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@musicawardsjapanceipa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@MAJ_ceipa_official
X: https://x.com/MAJ_CEIPAGLOBAL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MAJ.ceipa.official/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/music-awards-japan-ceipa/
TimeTree: https://timetreeapp.com/public_calendars/musicawardsjapan_ceipa_official