The prestigious Music Awards Japan (MAJ) is set to take place on May 21 and 22, 2025, at the ROHM Theatre Kyoto. This year's event promises an expanded scope with new categories and partnerships that reflect the evolving music industry. The second day of the awards will be broadcast live on NHK, while both days will be streamed globally on YouTube, excluding certain regions. MAJ has introduced several innovative categories, including co-creation awards in collaboration with leading companies from various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive recognition of musical achievements.

This edition of MAJ introduces a series of groundbreaking categories aimed at recognizing diverse contributions to the music scene. Toyota Group stands as the top partner, alongside gold partners Kinoshita Group and NTT DOCOMO, Inc., and silver partner Kyoto University of the Arts. Additional collaborators include XING Inc., DAIICHIKOSHO Co., Ltd., JASRAC, Spotify Japan, and USEN Corporation, among others. These partnerships have led to the creation of unique award divisions such as the Karaoke Special Award, Request Special Award, and Creators Special Award, each highlighting different aspects of music consumption and creation.

Innovative categories like the "Best Viral Song" celebrate tracks that gained popularity through social media platforms like TikTok, reflecting the modern ways people discover and share music. The Radio Special Award, chosen by radio directors and DJs nationwide, recognizes songs that stand out for their artistic and creative qualities. Furthermore, general listeners can participate in selecting the best domestic and global songs through Spotify’s voting function, adding a democratic element to the awards process.

The Karaoke Special Award, powered by DAM & JOYSOUND, honors the most frequently sung songs in karaoke venues, divided into J-Pop and Enka/Kayōkyoku categories. Similarly, the Request Special Award, presented by USEN, celebrates the song with the highest number of requests on the Oshikatsu Request Ranking. The Creators Special Award, given by JASRAC, acknowledges the creator of the song that received the largest distribution of royalties in 2024, emphasizing the importance of creators' rights in the industry.

The upcoming Music Awards Japan 2025 not only showcases the best in contemporary music but also highlights the collaborative spirit between the music industry and its stakeholders. By integrating traditional and emerging platforms, MAJ fosters a dynamic environment where artists, creators, and listeners come together to celebrate the power of music. The event's global streaming and live broadcast ensure that this celebration reaches audiences worldwide, making it a truly international affair.