The Music Awards Japan 2026 has announced its full list of K-pop nominees, with BTS members Jin, Jimin, and Jungkook securing multiple spots alongside groups like BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and IVE. The awards ceremony, a centerpiece of the six-day Music Awards Japan Week, is scheduled for June 13, 2026, at the new TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO. Voting for the awards will happen in two phases, opening later in March 2026.
Full List of K-Pop Nominations for 2026
K-pop acts have earned nominations across the event’s six main categories. The competition highlights both established solo artists and popular groups.
Song of the Year features a diverse mix of artists. BTS’s Jin is nominated for his track “Don’t Say You Love Me”. Other notable nominees include BOYNEXTDOOR with “Count to Love”, aespa with “Dirty Work”, and both “Rebel Heart” and “ATTITUDE” by IVE. BLACKPINK’s “JUMP” and LE SSERAFIM’s “HOT” are also in the running.
The Artist of the Year category is packed with top talent. The list includes Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, TWICE, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Soloists like Jin and Jennie from BLACKPINK are nominated, alongside groups such as ZEROBASEONE, ENHYPEN, and aespa.
For Album of the Year, SEVENTEEN’s “HAPPY BURSTDAY” and Stray Kids’ “Hollow” are competing. Other nominees are TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s “The Star Chapter: TOGETHER”, ENHYPEN’s “DESIRE:UNLEASHED”, and Jin’s solo album “Echo”.
Key Award Categories and Nominees
The Best K-pop Song in Japan category showcases songs that have made a significant impact in the region. The list includes BLACKPINK’s “JUMP”, ILLIT’s “Almond Chocolate”, and LE SSERAFIM’s “DIFFERENT”. TWICE’s “THIS IS FOR TWICE”, Jennie’s “like JENNIE”, and Jin’s “Don’t Say You Love Me” are also nominated.
In the Best Anime Song category, the focus is on tracks linked to anime productions. The nominated song “GOLDEN” is by HUNTR/X from “KPop Demon Hunters”. Another nomination is “ReawakeR ft. FELIX” by LiSA, indicating the participation of Stray Kids’ Felix.
The Best K-pop Artist in Japan category features a long list of nominees. Heavyweights like Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN, and TWICE are present. Solo artists from BTS, including Jin, Jimin, and Jungkook, are nominated individually. BLACKPINK is nominated as a group, with Jennie and Rosรฉ also listed as solo contenders.
Event Schedule and Voting Process
The Music Awards Japan Week 2026 will run from June 8 to June 13, with the main awards ceremony taking place on the final day. The event has moved from its 2025 venue in Kyoto to the new TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO.
The official voting timeline is split into two stages. The entry announcement and start of primary voting is set for March 19, 2026. This first voting phase will close on April 8, 2026. The official list of nominees will be announced on April 30, 2026, which also marks the start of the final voting period. Final voting will end on May 20, 2026.
All voting will be conducted online through the official MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN voting portal. Voters will be required to select a minimum of two and a maximum of five entries or artists in the relevant categories.
Industry Recognition and Broader Context
Music Awards Japan is a major industry event organized by the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA). The awards are unique because winners are selected by over 5,000 music industry professionals, including artists, creators, and record company staff.
The 2026 nominations list is provisional. The final lineup is expected to be confirmed next year, based on song and artist performance up until the first-round voting period concludes.
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