Music Awards Japan’s Inaugural Ceremony to Stream Globally in May

By MICHELLE TIO

On May 21 and 22, the inaugural Music Awards Japan (MAJ) will be held in Kyoto’s ROHM theater and livestreamed for international audiences.

Six major categories have been announced: Best Song, Best Artist, Best Album, Best New Artist, Top Global Hit from Japan, and Best Asian Song. 3,000 songs have been entered, and music fans everywhere can listen to MAJ’s Spotify Playlist.

Voting members include global music industry leaders from companies such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group, and YouTube and Google’s Music Division.

“As one of the largest, most dynamic music markets, Japan is rich with talent that deserves a wider audience,” said Warner Music Group CEO Robert Klyncl in a statement. “We’re excited to work with Music Awards Japan to create a powerful worldwide showcase for Japanese artists and provide new opportunities for global stars to win fans in Japan.”

Music Awards Japan also has a general listener participation program, in which the public can vote to determine the winners of five categories: Best of Listener’s Choice: Japanese Song, Best of Listener’s Choice: International Song, Karaoke of the Year: J-Pop, Karaoke of the Year: Enka & Kayokyoku, and Oshi Katsu Request Artist of the Year.

Only those living in Japan can vote for the Karaoke of the Year awards; however, international listeners can vote for the Best of Listener’s Choice and Oshi Katsu Request Artist of the Year awards. For information on how to vote for the Best of Listener’s Choice: Japanese Song and International Songs, click here. To learn how to participate in the Oshi Katsu Request Artist of the Year award, click here.

Organized by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association, Music Awards Japan centers around the theme of “connecting the world, illuminating the future of music.”

“Japanese music, rich in culture and creativity, has a unique way of connecting with people across borders and languages. Its global influence keeps growing, and I’m excited to see it reach new heights,” said Alex Norström, co-president of Spotify. “In our ever-connected world, Japanese artists have the power to shape the future of music, proving that great music knows no boundaries.”

To learn more about Music Awards Japan, watch their promotional YouTube video below or visit their website at www.musicawardsjapan.com/.