Baguio-based pop rock band Cup Of Joe made a historic mark on the international stage at the second annual MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ) 2026, held on Saturday, June 13, at the prestigious Toyota Arena Tokyo.
Cup of Joe receives Special Award: Philippine Popular Music at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026
Representing the Philippines, the band was nominated for the major Best Song Asia category for their hit single “Multo” and took home the Special Award: Philippine Popular Music. Adding to the milestone, Cup Of Joe delivered a captivating live performance of “Multo” during the afternoon’s Premiere Ceremony, earning massive praise from the international crowd.
Organized by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), MAJ 2026 was guided by its mission of “Connecting with the World and Illuminating the Future of Music.” This year’s event spotlighted a highly sophisticated regional scene, celebrating standout entries from Southeast Asian artists alongside the Philippines, including Indonesia’s Hindia, who won the Special Award: Indonesian Popular Music for “everything u are”.
With a voting pool of over 5,000 music industry professionals alongside global public fan voting, the event honored spectacular achievements over 70 diverse categories, capturing the world’s attention through live broadcasts on NHK and worldwide streaming on YouTube.
The main categories of MAJ 2026 showcased unparalleled creativity, featuring iconic wins and historic breakthroughs across the region:
Song of the Year – Kaiju -怪獣- / サカナクション sakanaction
Artist of the Year – Mrs. GREEN APPLE
New Artist of the Year – HANA
Album of the Year – Prema / Fujii Kaze
Best Global Hit from Japan – HYPNOTIZE / XG
Best Song Asia – [South Korea] Golden / HUNTR/X
