The Music Awards Japan 2026 celebrated another year of outstanding achievements in Japanese music, recognizing some of the industry’s biggest stars across multiple genres. Held on June 13, the ceremony honored artists for their musical accomplishments while also treating audiences to memorable live performances from Hitsujibungaku, LiSA, and rising girl group HANA.
Sony Music Entertainment Japan (SMEJ) enjoyed a successful night, with its artists earning numerous awards spanning J-pop, hip-hop, alternative, dance, and idol music categories. From HANA’s breakout success to Kenshi Yonezu’s international recognition, the event highlighted the diversity and growing global appeal of Japanese music.
HANA, LiSA, and Hitsujibungaku delivered memorable performances
One of the biggest talking points of the evening was the lineup of live performances. Acclaimed alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku brought their signature sound to the stage, while globally recognized anime song artist LiSA once again demonstrated why she remains one of Japan’s most celebrated performers.
Rising girl group HANA also delivered one of the night’s standout performances. Their appearance capped off a remarkable evening that saw the group emerge as one of the ceremony’s biggest winners, reflecting their rapid rise within the Japanese music industry.
Sony Music thanked fans for their continued support over the past year, highlighting the artists’ achievements and encouraging audiences to revisit the performances shared following the ceremony.
HANA enjoyed a breakthrough night by winning New Artist of the Year, further establishing the group as one of Japan’s fastest-growing acts. The group also claimed Best Dance & Vocal Song (Group/Solo) for “Blue Jeans”, while earning Best Dance & Vocal Artist (Group/Solo) to complete a three-award haul.
Meanwhile, Kenshi Yonezu continued his dominance with “IRIS OUT.” The song won Best J-POP Song and proved its international popularity by taking home Top Japanese Song in Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. The multiple regional awards underscored Yonezu’s expanding global audience and the growing international reach of Japanese music.
Creepy Nuts, Hitsujibungaku, and more artists are recognized
Hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts added to their list of accolades by winning Best Hip Hop/Rap Song for “doppelgänger” while also being named Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist. The group has continued building momentum both in Japan and internationally, making their double victory one of the night’s notable achievements.
Alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku earned Best Alternative Song for “Koe” and was also recognized as Best Alternative Artist, further highlighting the band’s influence within Japan’s rock scene.
Other winners included =LOVE, whose “Tokubechu Shite” was named Best Girls Idol Culture Song (Group/Solo), while ORANGE RANGE received Best Revival Hit Song for “Ikenai Taiyou.” Sakurazaka46 was also honored with the Special Award: Oshi-Katsu Request Artist of the Year powered by USEN, recognizing the group’s dedicated fan support.
With a mix of established stars and rising talent taking center stage, Music Awards Japan 2026 showcased the depth of Japan’s music industry while celebrating artists whose work continues to resonate with audiences both at home and around the world. The ceremony also reflected the increasing international visibility of Japanese music, with artists like Kenshi Yonezu, LiSA, Creepy Nuts, and HANA continuing to expand their global reach.
