Mrs. Green Apple Sweeps Music Awards Japan 2026, Sakanactions Kaiju Dominates Multiple Categories
The Music Awards Japan 2026 ceremony, organized by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, concluded with Mrs. Green Apple taking home the Artist of the Year and Song of the Year awards. The band’s win marks a second consecutive year in the top honor, following its 2025 victory.
Sakanaction’s single “Kaiju,” from the album Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, received the New Artist of the Year award and captured several other titles. The track won Best Rock Band/Solo Artist, Best Hip‑Hop/Rap Song, Best Original Score for Animation, and Best Music Video. The band also earned a nomination for Best Rock Band/Solo Artist, reinforcing its status as a leading force in Japan’s alternative‑rock scene.
Kenshi Yonezu’s “IRIS OUT,” the opening theme for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, earned multiple regional honors. The song was named Best J‑Pop Song, Best J‑Pop Artist, and Best Japanese Song in Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. Yonezu’s performance at the ceremony was highlighted by a large audience, and the track’s success underscores the growing international reach of Japanese pop music.
Other major winners included HANA, which secured Album of the Year, and Kaze Fujii’s Prema, awarded Best Global Hit from Japan. XG’s “HYPNOTIZE” took Best Song Asia, while HUNTR/X’s “Golden” earned Best Song. The award for Best Anime Song went to Creepy Nuts for “doppelgänger,” a track from the live‑action adaptation of Under Ninja.
The ceremony also recognized niche categories that reflect Japan’s diverse music culture. The Best Vocaloid Culture Song Award went to the Lazarus soundtrack, a collaboration between Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points. r‑906 received Best Girls Idol Culture Artist for “A Spoonful of SPELL,” and FRUITS ZIPPER was honored with a Special Award for Fandom Best Fandom Artist, powered by LINE MUSIC and Yahoo! Japan Search.
Ado earned the Largest Live Audience (International) award, highlighting the artist’s global touring success. In a special tribute, the MAJ Timeless Echo award was presented to Tatsuro Yamashita for his long‑standing contributions to the Japanese music industry.
The event featured live performances from a range of artists, including Mrs. Green Apple, M!LK, FRUITS ZIPPER, Fujii, Sakanaction, LiSA, and Kenshi Yonezu. The lineup showcased the breadth of talent represented at the awards.
More than 5,000 music industry professionals from Japan and abroad voted for the winners across the awards’ 70+ categories, which cover genres such as Vocaloid culture, anime, idol culture, and international music. The full list of winners is available on the Music Awards Japan website.
The 2026 ceremony continues the tradition of the Music Awards Japan, which began in 2025 and aims to honor the best musicians in Japan and across Asia. The awards have quickly become a key event for industry recognition, reflecting trends in Japanese pop, rock, and niche music scenes.
With Mrs. Green Apple’s repeat Artist of the Year win and Sakanaction’s sweeping success for “Kaiju,” the 2026 Music Awards Japan highlighted both established and emerging talent, underscoring the dynamic nature of Japan’s music industry.
