Sakanaction had a major night at Music Awards Japan 2026, with their song "Kaiju" taking home multiple awards including the prestigious Song of the Year honor. The track, featured in the anime Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, also won Best Anime Song and Best Rock Song, cementing the band's dominance at the second annual ceremony held on Saturday.

The Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) announced winners across more than 70 categories, with voting conducted by over 5,000 music industry professionals from Japan and internationally. Mrs. Green Apple earned Artist of the Year, while "IRIS OUT" by Kenshi Yonezu from Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc took Best J-POP Song and proved its global appeal by winning regional honors across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia.

The ceremony showcased anime's continued influence on Japan's music scene. Beyond sakanaction and Yonezu's wins, the Best Anime Song category highlighted how anime soundtracks have become central to the industry. Last year's inaugural awards saw YOASOBI's "Idol" from Oshi no Ko claim the same honor, showing consistent quality in anime-tied music.

Other notable winners included Creepy Nuts, who won Best Hip Hop/Rap Artist for "doppelgänger" from the Under Ninja live-action film, and the Best Original Score for Animation award went to the "Lazarus" soundtrack by Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points. XG's "HYPNOTIZE" earned Best Global Hit from Japan, reflecting Japan's expanding influence on international pop music.

The ceremony featured live performances from major artists including Mrs. Green Apple, sakanaction, LiSA, and Yonezu. Music Awards Japan also presented a special "MAJ Timeless Echo" award to composer Tatsuro Yamashita, recognized for his decades of contributions to Japanese music through projects like Summer Wars and Mirai.

With categories spanning J-pop, rock, hip-hop, Vocaloid culture, and idol culture, Music Awards Japan continues positioning itself as a comprehensive celebration of Japan's diverse music landscape and its global reach.