The MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 ceremony — Japan’s largest international music awards — was held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO, drawing widespread attention from industry professionals and music fans alike.
Sakanaction’s “Kaijuu” Takes Best Anime Song — and 8 Awards Total
Sakanaction were the night’s biggest winners, claiming the Best Anime Song award for “Kaijuu”, the theme song of TV anime Chi. — On the Movements of the Earth (チ。―地球の運動について―), which began airing on NHK General in October 2024. Remarkably, it marked the band’s very first TV anime theme song.
Vocalist and guitarist Ichiro Yamaguchi said in his acceptance speech:
“This was actually Sakanaction’s first-ever TV anime theme. Anime theme opportunities hadn’t really come our way for a long time, but thanks to Uoto-kun, the original manga author of Chi., and many others who pushed for us, we were able to receive this award. Thank you so much.”
“Kaijuu” captures the world of Chi. through Sakanaction’s characteristically precise, cutting-edge sound and literary lyrics. Beyond Best Anime Song, the band swept a total of 8 categories:
- Best Song
- Best Rock Song
- Best Music Video
- Best Artwork (in association with Japan Graphic Design Association)
- Best Live Lighting Staff (in association with Japan Stage Technical Staff Federation) — for tour SAKANAQUARIUM 2025 “怪獣”
- Best Live Sound Staff (in association with Japan Stage Technical Staff Federation) — for the same tour
- Best Rock Band/Solo Artist
- Best Anime Song
Yonezu Kenshi’s “IRIS OUT” Dominates Four Global Regions
Yonezu Kenshi was another standout of the evening. His song “IRIS OUT”, the theme for the Chainsaw Man theatrical film, took the Best J-POP Song award and swept the Best Japanese Song prize across four international regions: Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America — underscoring the track’s global reach. Under his alias Hachi, he also received the Best Digital Culture Artist award.
LAZARUS, HANA, and Mrs. GREEN APPLE Round Out a Memorable Night
The Best Anime Score award went to MAPPA’s original anime LAZARUS, whose soundtrack generated significant buzz thanks to a remarkable creative trio: Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points.
Rising artist HANA, known for “Cold Night” from TV anime Medalist, claimed three awards: Best New Artist, Best Dance & Vocal Song for “Blue Jeans”, and Best Dance & Vocal Artist — a showing that far exceeded expectations for a newcomer.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE, who crafted “lulu.” as the Season 2 opening theme for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, rounded out the night with three wins: Best Artist, Best J-POP Artist, and the Special Fandom Award, reflecting the band’s enormous popularity among fans.
MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 made clear just how deeply intertwined anime and music have become, with songs that amplify the worlds of their respective series earning recognition across the board.
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