With just over a month to go, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ) has dropped the final list of nominees for its first edition, set to take place May 21st and 22nd at ROHM Theatre Kyoto. Billed as Japan’s largest internationally-focused music awards, the event features 62 categories selected from over 3,000 entries.
Leading the pack is Fujii Kaze with 17 nominations, followed by Creepy Nuts (15), YOASOBI (14), and Mrs. GREEN APPLE (11). Other key contenders include Kenshi Yonezu, Vaundy, Hikaru Utada, and King Gnu. International names such as Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar also appear in the global and collaborative categories.
Major Categories: Pop Powerhouses and Streaming Giants
Shortlisted for Song of the Year are YOASOBI’s viral hit ‘Idol’, Creepy Nuts’ anime anthem ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’, Fujii Kaze’s ‘Michiteyuku’, ‘Lilac’ by Mrs. GREEN APPLE, and ‘APT.’—a chart-topping team-up between ROSÉ and Bruno Mars that’s drawn widespread acclaim across global outlets.
The Album of the Year list includes ‘LOVE ALL SERVE ALL’ (Fujii Kaze), ‘SCIENCE FICTION’ (Hikaru Utada), ‘replica’ (Vaundy), ‘ANTENNA’ (Mrs. GREEN APPLE), and ‘LOST CORNER’ (Kenshi Yonezu).
In Artist of the Year, nominations have gone to five of Japan’s most consistent hitmakers: Creepy Nuts, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Vaundy, YOASOBI, and Fujii Kaze.
New Artist of the Year nods to the rising acts including FRUITS ZIPPER, Number_i, Omoinotake, tuki., and Kocchi no Kento.
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Reflecting Japan’s growing global footprint, the Top Global Hit from Japan category—selected via international Spotify users—includes:
- ‘Idol’ – YOASOBI
- ‘Shinunoga E-Wa’ – Fujii Kaze
- ‘WOKE UP’ – XG
- ‘It’s Going Down Now’ – Lotus Juice & Azumi Takahashi
- ‘Mayonaka no Door ~stay with me’ – Miki Matsubara
Meanwhile, Best Song Asia spotlights regional favourites with nominees including Bernadya (Indonesia), REGINA SONG (Singapore), aespa and PLAVE (South Korea), and JEFF SATUR (Thailand).
Fan Voting and Industry Involvement
Spotify-powered fan voting continues for both domestic and international Listener’s Choice awards, with the final round open until April 30th. Industry professionals and MAJ’s International Voting Members—featuring executives from Universal, Sony, Warner, YouTube, Spotify, and others—have also begun casting votes in the six flagship categories.
Genre Categories: Hip-Hop, Alternative, Anime and More
Beyond the marquee awards, MAJ announced nominees across 62 categories, highlighting Japan’s genre breadth. In hip-hop and rap, Creepy Nuts, Awich, XG, Yuki Chiba, and CHANMINA top the Best Japanese Hip-hop/Rap Artist shortlist, while tracks like ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’, ‘B-Class’ (CHANMINA), and ‘Team Tomodachi’ (Yuki Chiba) feature in Best Japanese Hip-Hop/Rap Song.
Hitsujibungaku receive dual nominations in Best Japanese Alternative Song (‘Burning’, ‘more than words’), joined by TOMOO, Rikon Densetsu, Mega Shinnosuke, and jo0ji.
Anime continues to drive mainstream success, with Best Anime Song nominees including ‘Idol’ (YOASOBI), ‘Sho’ (Ado), ‘Lilac’ (Mrs. GREEN APPLE), ‘Dai Zero Kan’ (10-FEET), and ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’ (Creepy Nuts).
Elsewhere, Vocaloid favourite ‘Senbonzakura’ appears in Best Vocaloid Culture Song, while the Best Viral Song category reflects online momentum, with nominees such as ‘Can’t we just be cute?’ (CUTIE STREET), ‘Saijoukyuu ni Kawaii no!’ (Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu), and ‘Hai Yorokonde’ (Kocchi no Kento).
Broadcast Details
The May 22nd ceremony will air live on NHK, with both days of the event streaming globally via YouTube (regional restrictions may apply). The full list of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN nominees is available at musicawardsjapan.com.
As previously announced, Yellow Magic Orchestra will serve as the event’s official Symbol, with a tribute concert scheduled at the Kyoto International Conference Center ahead of the main show.
