The Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) has officially announced the nominees for the 2025 edition of the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN (MAJ), one of the most prestigious music award events in the country. Selected from approximately 3,000 submissions spanning various genres and regions, the nominated works and artists represent the diversity and innovation of Japan’s contemporary music scene. They will be honored during the highly anticipated awards ceremonies, set to take place on May 21 and 22 at the renowned ROHM Theatre Kyoto.

To build anticipation and engage audiences in the lead-up to the two-day celebration, CEIPA will host a series of special events from May 19 to 21 at multiple venues across Kyoto. These programs aim to showcase the richness of Japanese music culture — ranging from the soulful traditions of Enka to the boundary-pushing creativity of today’s indie artists. A major highlight will be a tribute to the legendary group Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), whose pioneering work in electronic music continues to influence artists worldwide.

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 Enka & Kayōkyoku LIVE

• Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
• Time: Doors open at 16:00; Show starts at 17:00
• Venue: ROHM Theatre Kyoto, South Hall

This event honors the nominees for the Best Enka/Kayōkyoku Song Award, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Takashi Hosokawa, Kaori Mizumori, Yōko Nagayama, Midori Oka, Junrets, and more. In addition to musical performances, the event will showcase traditional Japanese arts, including performances by the Kyoto Prefectural Choir Federation and the Toei Sword Fighting Troupe. The ceremony will be streaming on YouTube.

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN: A Tribute to YMO – SYMBOL OF MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: Doors open at 17:30; Show starts at 18:30
• Venue: Kyoto International Conference Center, Main Hall

In recognition of YMO’s profound impact on music both in Japan and internationally, this tribute concert features performances by artists inspired by the trio. The lineup includes Yasuyuki Okamura, Keigo Oyamada, Miu Sakamoto, Ginger Root, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Horn Section, TOWA TEI (DJ), Sasuke Haraguchi and Hideki Matsutake. The MVF Orchestra, led by Hiroshi Takano, will serve as the house band for this special evening.

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN SOUND SCRAMBLE supported by Kyoto University of the Arts

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Venues & Times:

• Kyoto Takutaku: Doors open at 17:00; Show starts at 17:30
• KYOTO MUSE: Doors open at 18:15; Show starts at 19:00

This event brings together indie artists from Japan and across Asia, including long-running Kyoto outfit Quruli, Lang Lee (South Korea), YONLAPA (Thailand), Straightener (Japan), Gokumon (Japan), and Fire EX. (Taiwan). Organized in collaboration with the Kyoto University of the Arts, the event aims to foster cross-cultural musical exchange. 

About MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN is Japan’s largest international music awards event, founded on the concept of “Connecting with the World, Illuminating the Future of Music.” The awards ceremony will take place on May 21 and May 22 at ROHM Theatre Kyoto. The event is organized by the Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) — an initiative formed by Japan’s five major music industry organizations (Recording Industry Association of Japan, Music Producers Association of Japan, Federation of Music Producers Japan, Music Publishers Association of Japan, and All Japan Concert & Live Entertainment Promoters Conference). Both days of the ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube, while the final day of the event will be broadcast live on Japan’s national broadcaster NHK on May 22.

For more information, visit: Music Awards Japan

Source: Email correspondence