BLACKPINK’s Rosé and NewJeans have taken center stage at the first-ever Music Awards Japan 2025, winning major honors. The event celebrates outstanding achievements in music across Japan and Asia, with winners chosen by over 5,000 industry professionals.
Rosé won the Best International Pop Song in Japan award for her global hit “APT.”, featuring Bruno Mars. The song is also nominated for the top prize, Song of the Year, with results expected later today. NewJeans secured the Best K-pop Song in Japan award for their 2022 track “Ditto”, proving its lasting popularity.
The awards ceremony is split into two days. Day 1, held on May 21 at Kyoto’s ROHM Theatre, honored winners in 40 categories. Day 2, airing May 22 at 7:30 PM JST, will reveal the six main awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Fans worldwide can watch the live broadcast on NHK or YouTube.
Other K-pop acts making waves include aespa and virtual boy band PLAVE, both nominated for Best Song Asia. aespa’s “Supernova” and PLAVE’s “Way 4 Luv” are competing against entries from Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
Japanese stars also dominated the awards. Creepy Nuts won multiple honors, including Best Japanese Song and Best Viral Song for “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born”. Fujii Kaze claimed Best Japanese Singer-Songwriter, while Mrs. GREEN APPLE took home Best Japanese Song Artist.
The event is part of MAJ Music Week, running from May 17 to 23, featuring panels, showcases, and industry discussions. Organized by Japan’s top music associations, the awards aim to boost the country’s music scene globally.
Rosé’s “APT.” has been a worldwide success, topping charts in South Korea, Australia, and the US. It marks her first major release since signing with The Black Label and Atlantic Records in 2024. NewJeans continues their winning streak after breaking records with “Ditto” in 2023.
Today’s grand ceremony will feature performances by Hikaru Utada, Fujii Kaze, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, YOASOBI, and more. Actor-singer Masaki Suda will host the event.
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