MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ) will return for a third edition in June 2027, with its Grand Ceremony staying at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. The Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), which organises the awards, confirmed the news on November 10th.
Plans for 2027 include live performances from artists across genres and a red carpet ceremony. Seminars and showcases for music industry professionals from Japan and overseas will also take place during the awards period, with categories and voting details to follow.
Launched in 2025, MAJ aims to take Japanese and Asian music to a global audience and help overseas artists reach the Japanese market. CEIPA brings together six of Japan’s major music industry bodies, from the Recording Industry Association of Japan to the copyright society JASRAC.
ROHM Theatre Kyoto hosted the first edition on May 21st and 22nd, 2025, with winners chosen across 62 categories. Creepy Nuts won Song of the Year for ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’, and Mrs. GREEN APPLE were named Artist of the Year.
For its second edition on June 13th, 2026, MAJ moved to Tokyo and expanded to 78 categories, voted on by around 5,000 music professionals including artists and creators. It was also the first edition to feature an overseas performer, with Sam Smith giving ‘My Guy’ its live debut in Japan.
sakanaction took home eight awards, including Song of the Year for ‘Kaiju’, while Mrs. GREEN APPLE were named Artist of the Year for a second year in a row. Other 2026 winners included Fujii Kaze, whose ‘Prema’ took Album of the Year, and XG with ‘HYPNOTIZE’ for Best Global Hit from Japan.
MAJ Executive Committee chair Tatsuya Nomura said the first two editions had strengthened the organisers’ ambition to connect Japanese and Asian music with the world. “In an increasingly connected music landscape, we want to celebrate the creativity, passion and energy that make music so special, and create an event that everyone involved can be proud of”, he said.
MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2027 takes place on Saturday, June 19th, 2027, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. Nominees and performers have yet to be announced, with updates to come via the official MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN website.
Watch highlights from the 2026 ceremony and the 2027 announcement below.
