Japan’s biggest international music celebration set to take over Tokyo this year. MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 (MAJ) will return on 13 June at the newly inaugurated TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, marking its second annual ceremony with an expanded global vision and a bigger spotlight on Asian talent.
Guided by its mission of “Connecting with the World and Illuminating the Future of Music,” MAJ returns after a hugely successful debut that amassed over 62 million views on YouTube and was broadcast nationwide by NHK. The ceremony reached 13.4 million viewers across all platforms.
Last year’s show featured performances by Fujii Kaze, YOASOBI, Creepy Nuts, and Mrs. GREEN APPLE — cementing the awards as a major moment on Asia’s music calendar.
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66 awards reflecting Asia’s evolving sound
MAJ 2026 will present a total of 66 awards following a redesigned framework that introduces 14 new categories.
The six major awards returning this year are:
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Song of the Year
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Artist of the Year
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New Artist of the Year
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Album of the Year
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Best Global Hit from Japan
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Best Song Asia
In total, the ceremony will include:
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6 major awards
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21 domestic song awards
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12 international song awards
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3 album awards
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11 artist awards
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and additional recognitions
Winners will be determined by votes from 5,000 artists and music industry professionals across Asia, reinforcing MAJ’s position as a peer-recognised platform for excellence.
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International Special Awards spotlight regional excellence
Six of the international song awards will be presented as International Special Awards in collaboration with regional partners, including Anugerah Musik Indonesia, Awit Awards, TOTY Awards, and Giải thưởng Âm nhạc Cống hiến.
By recognising outstanding artists across South Korea, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, MAJ continues its mission to foster a truly connected Asian music ecosystem.
As part of MAJ’s growing regional impact, Regina Song, who was nominated for Best Song Asia last year, shared her excitement for the new lineup of artists and described the platform as a vital beacon for rising talent in the region. Offering a message to the 2026 nominees, she said, “I hope that it can serve as an encouragement, and a reminder that their hard work has paid off! May we all continue to be inspired in life.”
MAJ Awards Week energises Tokyo
The celebration extends beyond one night.
From 8 to 13 June, MAJ Awards Week will energise Tokyo’s Ariake area with live performances, industry seminars, and showcases featuring artists and professionals from Japan and abroad.
On 13 June, the programme will unfold in two parts:
Premiere Ceremony (Afternoon)
Venue: SGC Hall Ariake (TOKYO DREAM PARK)
Red Carpet & Grand Ceremony (Evening)
Venue: TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO
Established in 2025 and led by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), MAJ was founded to champion Japanese and Asian music on a global stage.
As Asian artists continue to shape global charts and festival stages, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 positions itself as more than an awards show — it’s a statement of where the region’s music future is headed.
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