During its second annual awards ceremony to date, MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 (MAJ) has set the stage for globally recognized music award shows. While still in its infancy, it has proven the success of Japanese artists on the world’s stage. During a week of recognition of Japan’s music history, the crescendo was the Grand Ceremony held at the TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO on Saturday, June 13th, giving way to Japan’s most anticipated night in music. For only its second year, I was amazed at the level of production of the night. While at the edge of the red carpet, I noticed the small number of international media covering the show. I felt simultaneously excited to get such a rare opportunity to be one of the North American press members in the crowd and curious about how MAJ will appeal to a larger international audience in the future. With the year after year growth of anime songs gaining popularity, it’s just a matter of time. Proceeding the grand ceremony, a promenade of nominees crossed the red carpet. Just behind me, crowds of supporters were calling after their favorite artists for a chance to wave at them. Each artist stopped along the way to speak with Japanese media before entering the main ceremony hall. Proceeding to my seat, the hall quickly went from energetic conversations to a quick, silent audience, as the opening show began.