MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026: Announcement of Karaoke Award Winners for J-Pop and Enka

MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026: Karaoke Special Awards Overview

The results for the Karaoke Special Awards at the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 (MAJ2026) have finally been revealed. This year, two distinct categories were highlighted: one for J-Pop and another for Enka, showcasing the variety and richness of Japanese music.

J-Pop Category Winner: M!LK

In the J-Pop division, the award went to M!LK for their hit song "Suki Sugite Maku!" This catchy track, released following their previous success with "Ii Jan" which took 13th place in the same category, captured the audience’s hearts with its upbeat melody and humorous lyrics. M!LK's unique blend of coolness and playful choreography resonated with fans, allowing the song to reach a broad audience beyond just their existing fanbase.

As music trends shifted, with notable competitors like Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s song “Darling” overtaking Kenshi Yonezu's “IRIS OUT,” M!LK’s enthusiasm and talent remained steadfast. Throughout the voting period, their song maintained a high ranking and ultimately clinched the Karaoke Special Award, emphasizing its widespread appeal.

Enka Category Winner: Kaori Mizumori

On the other hand, the Enka and Kayokyoku category saw Kaori Mizumori take home the accolade for her song "Osaka Koi Shizuku." Known as the "Queen of Local Songs," Mizumori has a history of captivating narratives, often depicting heart-wrenching tales of love and loss. This latest song, celebrating happiness, marked a significant shift in her style—an uplifting departure from her traditional tear-jerkers that has surprised and delighted her long-time fans.

Mizumori’s 30th-anniversary commemorative track carries a charm that portrays the vibrant spirit of Osaka and the joy of encountering one's destiny, garnering positive responses from audiences across Japan.

The Voting Process

The Karaoke Special Awards, powered by DAM & JOYSOUND, employs a unique voting process that considers not only the popularity and recognition of the songs but also the actual frequency with which fans visit karaoke establishments to perform these tracks. This aspect gives the awards a distinctive edge, placing a spotlight on the cultural phenomenon of karaoke as an enjoyable, participatory experience. The more a song is covered in karaoke, the more significant its standing in the awards.

This year's award demonstrates a deviation from traditional metrics based on just music sales or streaming counts. Instead, it highlights songs that resonate deeply with fans, illustrating the connection formed when individuals gather in karaoke venues to showcase their favorites. As such, this award serves as a pioneering indicator of a song's impact based on active participation rather than mere listening metrics.

The Future of MAJ

The MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN, driven by the Collaborative Committee for Culture and Entertainment (CEIPA), strives to honor and promote excellence within Japan's music industry. Established by five major domestic music organizations, the awards encompass various genres and categories, elaborating on over 70 divisions to celebrate the diversity of musical artistry.

In the aftermath of these results, performances from last year's winners, Mrs. GREEN APPLE and Yoshimi Tendo, remain etched in the hearts of many. With exciting new developments and events on the horizon, fans are left eagerly anticipating the next round of nominees and celebrated tracks for the upcoming years.