The biggest night in Japanese music is just hours away. On June 13, 2026, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN will crown its winners at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO—and the competition has never been fiercer.
With over 2000 songs, albums, and artists across 78 categories, this year’s ceremony is set to break records. But five names stand above the rest, leading the entry counts and dominating conversations across social media. Here’s who will own the stage tomorrow—and why.
1. Mrs. GREEN APPLE: The Unstoppable Force (64 Entries)
If there’s one artist poised to sweep tomorrow night, it’s Mrs. GREEN APPLE. With a staggering 64 entries across 13 categories, they’re not just competing—they’re dominating.
Their hits like “KUSUSHIKI,” “Darling,” and “breakfast” are all nominated for Best Song Award, while they lead Best Long-Charting Song with 14 entries and Best J-POP Song with 10. This isn’t just about quantity—Mrs. GREEN APPLE has defined the sound of 2025-2026, blending catchy melodies with emotional depth that resonates across generations.
Prediction: Expect them to take home Best Artist Award and multiple song categories. Their dominance this year is undeniable.
2. Kenshi Yonezu: The Collaborative Genius (41 Entries)
Kenshi Yonezu enters with 41 entries, including one of the most anticipated collaborations of the year: “JANE DOE” with Hikaru Utada. This track alone has 7 entries spanning major awards, video categories, and listener votes.
Yonezu’s solo work is equally impressive—“IRIS OUT,” “Plazma,” and “BOW AND ARROW” showcase his signature blend of experimental pop and emotional storytelling. With 5 entries in Best Song Award and 5 in Best Global Hit from Japan, he’s a lock for multiple wins.
Prediction: “JANE DOE” will take Best Global Hit from Japan. Yonezu might also clinch Best Song Award—his track record speaks for itself.
3. YOASOBI: The Global Phenomenon (11 Entries)
YOASOBI has become synonymous with international success, and their 11 entries reflect that. With 9 nominations in Best Global Hit from Japan—including viral hits like “Idol,” “Yoru ni Kakeru,” and “Watch me!”—they’ve proven that J-pop can dominate on a worldwide scale.
Their storytelling approach, adapting novels into songs, has created a dedicated fanbase that spans continents. YOASOBI isn’t just competing—they’re redefining what Japanese music can achieve globally. The duo is also set to release their new album “THE BOOK for” on June 26, adding even more momentum to their already impressive year.
Prediction: At least one Best Global Hit win, possibly two. “Idol” remains a cultural juggernaut that refuses to fade.
4. Fujii Kaze: The R&B King Returns (26 Entries)
Fujii Kaze is back with 26 entries, and his 2025 album “Prema” is at the heart of his nominations. All nine tracks from the album are nominated for Best R&B/Contemporary Song, alongside standalone single “Masshiro.”
Kaze’s soulful voice and genre-blending approach have made him a favorite among both critics and fans. His presence in Best Artist Award and Best Album Award cements his status as one of Japan’s most versatile musicians.
Prediction: Best Album Award for “Prema” is within reach. Expect him to dominate R&B categories completely.
5. XG: The International Breakthrough (9 Entries)
Girl group XG has 9 entries, with tracks like “GALA,” “HYPNOTIZE,” and “WOKE UP” earning nominations in both Best Song and Best Global Hit from Japan. Their bilingual approach and hip-hop-influenced sound have captured attention far beyond Japan’s borders.
XG represents the new generation of J-pop—bold, unapologetic, and globally ambitious. Tomorrow’s ceremony could mark their official arrival as mainstream heavyweights.
Prediction: Best New Artist is possible if they qualify, but more likely they’ll claim a Best Global Hit win. Their momentum is undeniable.
The Dark Horses
Don’t sleep on HANA (35 entries), BE:FIRST (30 entries), and Ado (8 entries). HANA’s dominance in dance-vocal categories and BE:FIRST’s consistent presence across major awards make them serious contenders. Meanwhile, Ado’s cultural impact—especially with “Usseewa” and “New Genesis”—could lead to surprise wins.
What Do You Think?
The ceremony kicks off tomorrow, June 13th, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, with live broadcasts on NHK and worldwide streaming on YouTube. With so many incredible artists competing, predicting winners is nearly impossible—but that’s what makes it exciting.
Japanese music fans also have plenty to look forward to beyond the awards—Anime Expo 2026’s J-POP SOUND CAPSULE is bringing major artists like SPYAIR and Yoko Kanno to Los Angeles next month, showcasing the global reach of J-pop culture.
Who do YOU think will take home the biggest awards? Will Mrs. GREEN APPLE sweep as expected, or will Kenshi Yonezu’s collaboration with Hikaru Utada steal the show? Drop your predictions below!
