MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN has announced that its 2026 edition will take place on Saturday June 13th at the newly opened TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, following a press conference held in Tokyo on November 5th. Organised by the Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), the second edition of Japan’s largest international music awards will introduce 14 new categories, bringing the total to 66.
The new additions shine a light on the changing landscape of Japanese music, with awards now recognising Vocaloid culture, jazz and classical albums, hip hop, R&B, and dance-focused artists. Categories for Best Vinyl Record and Back Catalog also make their debut, acknowledging the continuing appeal of physical formats and long-charting hits. Other updates include a Best Music Video Director award and an expanded Live section, now featuring Largest Live Audience (International).
As with the 2025 launch in Kyoto, the event will feature two ceremonies: the afternoon Premiere Ceremony at the new Tokyo Dream Park in Ariake, and the evening Grand Ceremony and red carpet at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. MAJ will stream both worldwide.
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From June 8th to 13th, CEIPA will host the first MAJ Awards Week across Tokyo’s Ariake area, featuring live performances, seminars, and showcases involving artists and industry figures from Japan and abroad.
Entries for MAJ 2026 include songs and albums officially released between January 1st and December 31st 2025. Eligible works are being collected in seven periods running from January 2025 to February 2026, with a midterm tally now available covering the first four rounds. Music professionals will vote to decide the winners, while public participation categories such as Audience Vote, Karaoke, and Cable Broadcast will return.
MAJ retains six key awards — Song of the Year, Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Global Hit from Japan, and Best Song Asia — alongside its expanded roster of genre and international categories.
Following its Kyoto debut earlier this year, which saw Creepy Nuts, Mrs. GREEN APPLE and Fujii Kaze among the top winners, MAJ’s move to Tokyo hits at CEIPA’s continued effort to position the event as a platform for Japanese and Asian music on a global stage.
Full eligibility guidelines, interim results, and the full press conference video are available via the official website and YouTube channel.
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