MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 celebrated on 21- 22 May at ROHM Theatre Kyoto is now streaming its spectacular performances on YouTube. From intimate setups to full-blown stage spectacles, here’s a breakdown of the standout acts—and the awards they took home.

Fujii Kaze – ‘Michi Teyu Ku (Overflowing)’

Armed with just a grand piano and spotlights cutting through a dim haze, Fujii Kaze delivered a stripped-down, soul-baring rendition of ‘Michi Teyu Ku’, letting his voice shine with pure emotional power. The performance complemented his Album of the Year win for Love All Serve All, along with taking home Best Japanese Singer-Songwriter and Best Cross-Border Collaboration Song for ‘Feelin’ Go(o)d’.

Hikaru Utada – ‘Electricity’ 

Against a dreamy backdrop of swirling visuals, Hikaru Utada’s pre-recorded ‘Electricity’ played like a mini music film—moody lights, cinematic framing, and her ethereal voice blending with art-house aesthetics. 

Creepy Nuts – ‘Bling‑Bang‑Bang‑Born’

The duo stormed the stage with dynamic LED backdrops and pulsing lights that matched the beat drop for ‘Bling‑Bang‑Bang‑Born’. R‑Shitei’s rapid-fire flow and DJ Matsunaga’s turntable skills created a festival-level moment at Kyoto. Their explosive performance mirrored their massive week: they swept seven Day 1 awards—including Best Japanese Song, Best Hip-Hop/Rap, and Best Viral Song—then scored Song of the Year and Best Hip-Hop/Rap Artist, totaling nine wins.

YOASOBI – ‘PLAYERS’

YOASOBI’s ‘PLAYERS’ was staged as a PlayStation-meets-sci-fi spectacle—futuristic set pieces, neon frames, and synchronized smoke bursts amplified their cinematic sound. They also celebrated winning Top Global Hit From Japan for ‘Idol’ and Best Anime Song for the same track, recognizing their sweeping success.

AI × Awich × NENE × MaRI – Medley

In a sleek, club-inspired stage with pulsing neon strips, this powerhouse quartet brought raw energy to a medley featuring ‘Not So Different Remix’, ‘Butcher Shop’, and ‘Bad B*tch Bigaku’. AI’s viscous vocals blended with Awich, NENE, and MaRI’s fierce presence. 

CHANMINA – Medley: ‘Harenchi’, ‘KING’, ‘Bijin’, ‘WORK HARD’

CHANMINA commanded a multi-tiered stage filled with moody spotlights and animated backdrops. Beginning with the haunting ‘Harenchi’ and building to the anthem ‘WORK HARD’, her set showcased her evolution—from intimate rap to full-blown performance artist. Though she didn't win any awards, CHANMINA was certainly the night's MVP.

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – ‘Darling’

Celebrating their Artist of the Year win (and Best Japanese Song Artist), Mrs. GREEN APPLE appeared in full-band glory—warm stage lighting, sweeping camera shots, and emotive delivery of ‘Darling’. Their 10th-anniversary sentiment brought a heartfelt close to the evening.

RYDEEN REBOOT – YMO Tribute

The grand opener united a cross-generational ensemble: Perfume, Yoshinori Sunahara, STUTS, CHANMINA, Number_i, Vaundy, Hatsune Miku, Hayato Sumino, Yuki Chiba, Takashi Hosokawa, Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction), FRUITS ZIPPER, CUTIE STREET, 10-FEET, ATARASHII GAKKO!, YUKI, and Yasuyuki Okamura. A kaleidoscope of live bands, digital avatars, and choreographed dancers paid homage to Yellow Magic Orchestra’s electronic legacy. You can;t watch this without getting goosebumps.

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