MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026” (MAJ), Japan’s largest international music awards, will host its ceremony on June 13, 2026, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. Alongside the announcement, MAJ revealed further details of its 66 award categories, eligibility guidelines and interim results based on songs released between January and August 2025.
Launched under the concept “Connecting with the World and illuminating the Future of Music,” MAJ is Japan’s largest international music awards platform.
Now in its second year, MAJ 2026 will expand significantly from its inaugural edition in 2025, with the ceremony set to take place at the newly opened TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
The event will feature two ceremonies: the Premiere Ceremony in the afternoon, highlighting various categories, followed by the Grand Ceremony and red carpet event in the evening, where the major awards will be presented. Together, they will mark a historic day celebrating outstanding musical achievements.
From June 8 to 13, MAJ Awards Week will be held, featuring live performances by artists, as well as seminars and showcases with industry professionals from Japan and abroad — energizing Tokyo’s Ariake area with music and creativity.
For MAJ 2026, eligible entries include songs and albums whose full official versions were first digitally released or physically distributed via public services between January 1 and December 31, 2025 (excluding certain categories).
Focusing on the defining sounds of Japan’s current music scene, the winners will be determined through voting by music professionals.
Following a redesign of its framework, MAJ 2026 introduces 14 new categories, bringing the total to around 70 categories, reflecting the diverse musical cultures of Japan and the world. Continuing its mission to share Japanese and Asian music with global audiences, MAJ unites the industry in celebrating artistic excellence.
Award Categories
MAJ 2026 continues to feature six major categories from the previous year:
Song of the Year
Artist of the Year
New Artist of the Year
Album of the Year
Best Global Hit from Japan
Best Song Asia
A total of 66 categories have been finalized for 2026, including 6 major, 19 song, 12 international song, 3 album, and 11 artist categories.
Reflecting Japan’s evolving music landscape, new awards include:
Best Dance & Vocal Artist (Group / Solo)
Best Boys Idol Culture Song (Group / Solo)
Best Girls Idol Culture Song (Group / Solo)
Best Hip Hop/Rap Song
Best Hip Hop Unit/Solo Artist
Best R&B/Contemporary Artist
Best Vocaloid Culture Song
Best Dance/Electronic Song
Best Jazz Album
Best Classical Album
Best DJ
Responding to the growing popularity of long-charting and revived hits, a Back Catalog category has been newly introduced to honor songs that continue to resonate across generations.
In line with the resurgence of vinyl culture, a Vinyl Record category has also been established. The Live category has been expanded to include a new Largest Live Audience (International) award, while the Creator category adds the Best Music Video Director award.
The popular public participation categories — Audience Vote, Karaoke, and Cable Broadcast — will also return.
Through celebrating the richness and diversity of music culture, MAJ 2026 continues to illuminate the future of music. Additional new categories will be announced in due course. Check the official website for more information on eligibility and interim results.
