By MICHELLE TIO
Music Awards Japan’s inaugural ceremony was held on May 21st and May 22nd in Kyoto, Japan.
The opening performance? — “Rydeen Reboot” — was an intricately crafted love letter to Japanese music that synthesized tradition and modernity: an opening shot of J-pop band Perfume in red kimonos, classical pianist Kadono Hayato resplendent in white, enka singer Hosokawa Takashi’s beautiful vocals, a hip hop dancing marching band, vocaloid anime mascot Hatsune Miku, and a swaggering rapper Chanmina.
Hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts swept the night, winning 9 awards, including Song of the Year, Best Japanese Song, Top Japanese Song in North America, and Best Japanese Hip Hop / Rap Artist.
Other high performing artists included rock band Mrs. Green Apple (Artist of the Year, Best Japanese Song Artist, and Karaoke Special), pop duo Yoasobi (Top Global Hit from Japan, Best Music Video, and Song of the Year for Creators Special) and girl group Atarashii Gakko! (Best Japanese Dance Pop Artist and Best Dance Performance).
U.S. artists dominated the international awards category. Apt. by Rose & Bruno Mars won Best International Pop Song, feelslikeimfallinginlove by Coldplay grabbed Best International Rock Song, “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar secured Best International Hip Hop / Rap Song, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” by Ariana Grande took Best International R&B/Contemporary Song, and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish captured Best International Alternative Song.
Highlights of the ceremony included live performances by Hikaru Utada (“Electricity”), Fuji Kaze (“Michi Teyu Ku” / “Overflowing”), Yoasobi (“Players”), and Creepy Nuts (“Bling-Bang-Bang-Born”).