As previously announced, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN will take place in Kyoto in May 2025, with plans to broadcast it globally. Earlier today, a second information session was held in Tokyo on the new show, the largest music award show in Japan.
The show will take place on May 21 and 22 at ROHM Theatre Kyoto. MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN has the concept of “Connect with the world, lighting up the future of music.” The show has the aim of promoting Japanese music to world and opening up the future of music, while at the same time serving as an entry point for foreign artists into the Japanese market.
MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN will have six main categories: Best Song, Best Album, Best Artist, Best New Artist, Top Global Hit from Japan (for songs that are overseas hits), and Best Asian Song (for songs that are hits in Asia). There will be over 60 other categories. These other categories will reflect the times and entertainment in both Japan and overseas, with categories such as Best Vocaloid Culture, Best Revival Song, Best Game Soundtrack Album, and Best Idol. There will also be awards for live performance, music technology, and overseas recognition, among others.
There will also be two fan vote categories, Listener’s Choice: Best Global Song of the Year and Listener’s Choice: Best Song of the Year. Votes for these will occur through Spotify’s voting function.
The large number of categories is why the show is taking place over two days instead of just one.
Over 5000 music industry professionals, mainly artists, are participating in the show as voters. Other types of voting industry professionals include song creators, managers, record company staff, engineers, filmmakers, music publishers, dealers, music critics, writers, media, and overseas song creators. The first round of voting will take place March 13 – 31, with the final round taking place April 17 – 30.
