Music Awards Japan 2025: The Big Winners and What Went Down
The Music Awards Japan 2025 wasn’t just another awards show—it was a landmark event that set a new standard for recognizing musical talent in Japan and across Asia. If you’re a music fan, industry insider, or just love seeing your favorite artists get the spotlight they deserve, here’s everything you need to know about the inaugural Music Awards Japan 2025: the big winners, unforgettable performances, and what made this event so special.
What Is Music Awards Japan 2025?
Music Awards Japan 2025 marked the debut of a new, internationally-focused music awards ceremony, taking place over two days (May 21–22, 2025) at the Rohm Theatre in Kyoto. Organized by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA)—a coalition of Japan’s five major music industry associations—the event aimed to celebrate the best in Japanese and global music. Winners were chosen by over 5,000 music industry professionals, ensuring the results reflected both critical acclaim and industry respect.
Both days of the ceremony were live-streamed on YouTube, with the second day broadcast on NHK, making the event accessible to fans worldwide.
Why Was Music Awards Japan 2025 a Big Deal?
- First of its kind: This was the inaugural edition, instantly establishing itself as Japan’s largest internationally-oriented music awards.
- Global reach: With live streaming and international categories, the event brought Japanese music to a worldwide audience.
- Industry-driven: Winners were selected by thousands of music professionals, adding credibility and prestige.
- Diverse categories: With 62 categories, the awards recognized everything from J-Pop and hip-hop to K-Pop, international collaborations, and even regional hits.
The Main Categories and Their Winners
Let’s break down the most anticipated categories and the artists who took home the top prizes.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Song of the Year | “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts |
| Artist of the Year | Mrs. Green Apple |
| New Artist of the Year | tuki |
| Album of the Year | “Love All Serve All” by Fujii Kaze |
| Top Global Hit from Japan | “Idol” by Yoasobi |
| Best Song Asia | “Supernova” by Aespa |
Song of the Year: “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by Creepy Nuts
Creepy Nuts absolutely dominated the night. Their track “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” didn’t just win Song of the Year—it swept multiple categories, including Best Japanese Song, Best Domestic Hip-Hop/Rap Song, Best Domestic Dance Pop Song, and Best Viral Song. The duo’s infectious energy and genre-blending sound made them a favorite with both the public and the industry. Their sweep marked a milestone for Japanese hip-hop, signaling its growing influence both at home and abroad.
Artist of the Year: Mrs. Green Apple
Mrs. Green Apple, known for their dynamic pop-rock sound, were crowned Artist of the Year. Their consistent output and ability to connect with audiences across generations earned them this prestigious title.
New Artist of the Year: tuki
Every year brings a breakout star, and 2025 was no exception. tuki’s fresh approach and unique sound made them the standout newcomer, capturing the attention of both fans and critics.
Album of the Year: “Love All Serve All” by Fujii Kaze
Fujii Kaze’s “Love All Serve All” was recognized as Album of the Year, a testament to his artistry and the album’s broad appeal. Kaze’s soulful vocals and genre-crossing compositions have made him a mainstay in the Japanese music scene.
Top Global Hit from Japan: “Idol” by Yoasobi
Yoasobi’s “Idol” continued their streak of global success, winning Top Global Hit from Japan. The duo’s storytelling approach and catchy melodies have resonated far beyond Japan’s borders.
Best Song Asia: “Supernova” by Aespa
K-pop powerhouse Aespa took home Best Song Asia for “Supernova,” underlining the genre’s continued popularity and influence in Japan.
Other Notable Winners and Highlights
- Best Japanese R&B/Contemporary Song: “Automatic” by Hikaru Utada
- Best Japanese Alternative Song: “more than words” by Hitsujibungaku
- Best Japanese Singer-Songwriter Song: “Kaiju no Hanauta” by Vaundy
- Best Idol Culture Song: “Watashi no Ichiban Kawaii Tokoro” by Fruits Zipper
- Best K-Pop Song in Japan: “Ditto” by NewJeans
- Best International Pop Song in Japan: “APT.” by BLACKPINK’s Rosé featuring Bruno Mars
- Special Award: Korean Popular Music: “God of Music” by SEVENTEEN
- Best Of Listener’s Choice — International Song: “Neva Play” by Megan Thee Stallion featuring BTS’ RM
K-Pop’s Big Night
K-pop artists made a huge impact at Music Awards Japan 2025, reflecting the genre’s immense popularity in Japan.
- Rosé (BLACKPINK) won Best International Pop Song in Japan for her collaboration with Bruno Mars, “APT.” She was also nominated for Song of the Year.
- NewJeans grabbed Best K-Pop Song in Japan with “Ditto.”
- aespa’s “Supernova” took home Best Song Asia, beating out other major contenders like PLAVE.
- SEVENTEEN received a special award for Korean Popular Music.
- BTS’ RM was recognized alongside Megan Thee Stallion for “Neva Play,” winning Best Of Listener’s Choice — International Song.
How Winners Were Chosen
Transparency and credibility were at the heart of Music Awards Japan 2025. Winners were determined by the votes of over 5,000 Japanese music industry professionals. This process ensured that the awards truly reflected the opinions of those who shape and influence the music landscape.
The Ceremony: A Two-Day Spectacle
The event wasn’t just about handing out trophies. It was a full-blown celebration of music, featuring:
- Live performances from top nominees and international acts.
- Showcases ahead of the main event, including a special concert in Los Angeles featuring Ado, Atarashii Gakko!, and Yoasobi.
- MAJ Music Week: A week-long series of conferences, seminars, and concerts leading up to the awards, designed to foster collaboration and discussion within the industry.
The Impact: Why Music Awards Japan 2025 Matters
Music Awards Japan 2025 wasn’t just a glitzy night for stars—it was a statement about the future of Japanese music and its place in the global scene. Here’s why it matters:
- Elevating Japanese music: By spotlighting both domestic and international talent, the awards helped showcase the diversity and creativity of Japanese music to a global audience.
- Bridging cultures: With categories for K-pop, international collaborations, and regional hits, the event reflected the increasingly interconnected nature of the music industry.
- Industry recognition: The involvement of thousands of professionals gave the awards real weight, making them a coveted honor for artists.
What Fans Loved Most
- Seeing their favorite artists recognized: Whether you’re a fan of Creepy Nuts, Mrs. Green Apple, or Aespa, there was plenty to celebrate.
- Global accessibility: The live-streamed format meant fans everywhere could join in the excitement.
- Genre diversity: From J-Pop and hip-hop to K-pop and indie, the awards celebrated the full spectrum of today’s music.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Music Awards Japan
With its successful debut, Music Awards Japan is poised to become an annual highlight for music lovers and industry insiders alike. Its commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and global reach sets a new standard for music awards—not just in Japan, but worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Music Awards Japan 2025 delivered on its promise to celebrate the best in music, both at home and abroad. With unforgettable performances, well-deserved wins, and a focus on industry credibility, it’s already established itself as a must-watch event for anyone passionate about music. Whether you’re into J-Pop, K-pop, rock, or something in between, this year’s winners and moments are sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you missed the live stream, make sure to catch the highlights and start following these artists—because if Music Awards Japan 2025 showed us anything, it’s that the future of music is brighter and more global than ever.
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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Music_Awards_Japan
[5] https://mb.com.ph/2025/05/23/winners-of-first-music-awards-japan
[6] https://www.musicawardsjapan.com
[7] https://www.youtube.com/playlist? list=RDCLAK5uy_k9FOh1glCG4sPmw9DBRjdHWg3ct6-R-X8
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rzb00phgQU