Japan is set to host a significant new music event next year with the launch of Music Awards Japan (MAJ). This exciting event will take place on May 22, 2025, at the Rohm Theatre in Kyoto, aiming to spotlight Asian music talent on the global stage.
The award show is organized by the Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), a collaboration between five key music organizations, including the Recording Industry Association of Japan and the Japan Music Producers Federation. Music Awards Japan aspires to become Asia’s answer to the Grammys.
The goal is to showcase the rise of Japanese and Asian music in the international arena. With streaming breaking down borders and the influence of J-pop and K-pop continuing to spread, MAJ will be a much-needed platform for celebrating these trends. CEIPA chairman Shunsuke Muramatsu shared their vision: “We want to highlight the exceptional talent across Japan and Asia and help bring them global recognition.”
Music Awards Japan will feature over 60 award categories, including Best Song, Best Album, and Best Asian Song. The voting body will comprise 5,000 industry professionals, including 3,000 artists. What sets it apart is the focus on objective data from Billboard Japan, Oricon, and GfK to select nominees, based on chart performance starting from February 2024.
Choosing Kyoto as the host city aligns with the event’s goal of representing Japan’s cultural richness while sharing Asian music globally. Muramatsu explained that Kyoto’s historical and cultural importance makes it an ideal venue for this new award show.
AloJapan.com