Tokyo, Japan — Celebrating its inaugural edition with the theme “Connecting to the world, lighting the future of music,†MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 (MAJ) has […]
Tokyo, Japan — Celebrating its inaugural edition with the theme “Connecting to the world, lighting the future of music,†MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 (MAJ) has quickly established itself as Japanâ€
s largest-scale international music award. MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 Enka & KayÅkyoku LIVE [Best Enka & KayÅkyoku Song Award Ceremony], held as part of MAJâ€s official awards week, is now available for streaming on the official MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN YouTube channel.
This special program celebrated the artists and songs that have shaped Japanâ€s rich tradition of enka and kayÅkyoku music, and featured live performances, special appearances and the presentation of the Best Enka & KayÅkyoku Song Award.
On May 19, in the cultural capital of Kyoto, the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 Enka and KayÅkyoku LIVE brought Japanâ€s most emotional and timeless music to life. Held just ahead of the main award ceremonies for Japanâ€s largest international music awards, this event honored two iconic genres that many outside Japan are only now discovering.
Enka is often described as Japanâ€s soul music. It comprises dramatic ballads filled with longing and emotion, usually performed with powerful vocals and rich vibrato. KayÅkyoku refers to pre-J-pop Japanese pop music that was popular throughout the 20th century. Together, they form the roots of Japanese popular music and continue to influence artists across generations.
A Grand Opening in Kyoto
The concert opened with legendary singer Takashi Hosokawa performing his signature hit “Matsuri†backed by a high-energy Japanese drum troupe. As more performers filled the stage, the atmosphere quickly became a celebration of national identity and musical pride. The audience of 450 erupted in applause as the night began with power and tradition combined.
Songs for the Seasons and Sounds of Japan
Throughout the night, artists performed songs that captured the essence of Japanâ€s four seasons and unique landscapes. From Yoko Nagayamaâ€s winter ballad “Tsugaru KaikyÅ Fuyugeshiki†to Kaori Mizumoriâ€s “Tottori Sakyu,†the show painted a musical picture of the countryâ€s emotional and geographic beauty.
You did not need to understand the lyrics to feel the impact. These songs speak through emotion and melody. They are cinematic in their storytelling and deeply expressive in their delivery.
Tradition Reimagined
One of the most exciting parts of the night was seeing how younger artists are reshaping tradition. Midori Oka collaborated with a glowstick-wielding dance crew on the viral hit “Senbonzakura,†blending retro vocal styles with modern visuals. Shoko Haida performed the Studio Ghibli classic “Carrying You†with a Kyoto childrenâ€s choir, creating a moving intergenerational moment.
These moments highlighted how Japanese traditional music can evolve while keeping its spirit intact.
A New Generation of Voices
Young performers such as Ryusei, Aimi Tanaka and Shin Aoyama reinterpreted classic enka and kayÅkyoku hits. Their voices gave new life to songs from the ShÅwa era, offering a fresh take on melodies that once defined Japanâ€s postwar music scene.
Groups like Junretsu, SHOW-WA and MATSURI brought humor and charm via upbeat performances like “Ii Yu da na,†while Yuto Tatsumi gave a dramatic sword-dance infused rendition of “Setsugetsuka†with help from Kyotoâ€s Toei Sword troupe.
A Tribute to Hibari Misora
One of the most powerful moments was a tribute to Hibari Misora, one of the greatest singers in Japanese history. A traditional storytelling performance introduced her life, followed by emotional renditions of “Kanashiki Kuchibue†by Konomi Mori and “Kawa no Nagare no YŠni†by Kaori Mizumori. These songs reminded the audience of the timeless beauty of Japanese melody and voice.
The Award Announcement
The Best Enka and KayÅkyoku Song Award was the nightâ€s final highlight. Nominees SHOW-WA, Leon Niihama, and MATSURI each performed their nominated tracks live. Although Keisuke Yamauchi could not attend in person due to his tour, he sent a video message thanking his fans as his song “Kurenai no Chņwas announced as the winner. His label head accepted the red RUBY trophy on his behalf.
Closing with Strength
The evening ended with a stunning performance featuring five tsugaru shamisen masters, followed by Takashi Hosokawa singing “BÅkyÅ Jonkara†in celebration of his 50th anniversary as a performer.
He told the audience, “I debuted in 1975 with Kokoro no Kori. I will continue to sing enka with all my heart.†His words echoed the spirit of the night.
MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 Enka & KayÅkyoku LIVE
[Best Enka & KayÅkyoku Song Award Ceremony]
Date:Monday, May 19, 2025
Venue: ROHM Theatre Kyoto, South Hall
Performers: Takashi Hosokawa, Kaori Mizumori, Yoko Nagayama, Midori Oka, Junretsu, Shoko Haida, Konomi Mori, Naoki Sanada, Leon Niihama, Yuto Tatsumi, Hayabusa, Soichi Futami, Shin Aoyama, Tetsuji Kimura, Ryusei, Aimi Tanaka, SHOW-WA, MATSURI, Kokoro Umetani
Hosts: Win Morisaki, Yuki Matsumaru, Kayna
Other performers: Nanafuku Tamagawa (RÅkyoku performer), ASKA Japanese Drum Troupe, Kyoto Choral Association, Toei Tsurugikai
Streaming URL: https://youtu.be/sDPrEnxptEc
Organized by: CEIPA (Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association)
Co-organized by: MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 KYOTO Collaborative Event Committee
(Comprising CEIPA, Kyoto Prefecture, and Kyoto City)
Streaming URL:
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