What Is 2019 MTV Video Music Awards Japan

Overview

The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards Japan celebrated the most impactful music videos and artists in Japan over the past year, recognizing achievements between October 2018 and September 2019. Hosted on November 20, 2019, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, the event brought together top Japanese and international acts in a night of performance and accolades.

Unlike its American counterpart, the Japanese version focuses on domestic talent while still incorporating global categories. The show highlighted both mainstream pop and emerging underground genres, reflecting the diversity of Japan's music scene. Fan voting played a significant role in determining several winners, increasing audience engagement.

• BTS won two awards: Best Group – International and Best Male Video – International, marking their continued global influence.
• Aimer took home Best Female Artist – Japan and the night’s top honor, Best Video of the Year – Japan, for her song "I beg you".
• The eligibility period was defined as releases between October 1, 2018, and September 30, 2019, aligning with Japan’s fiscal music calendar.
• King Gnu won Best Rock Video – Japan for "Prayer X", a track that topped multiple domestic charts during the eligibility window.
• The ceremony featured live performances by LiSA, Da-iCE, and milet, showcasing the breadth of vocal and instrumental talent in the Japanese industry.

How It Works

The MTV Video Music Awards Japan combines industry judging with public voting to determine winners across multiple categories, blending artistic merit with fan popularity. Categories are divided into Japanese and international sections, ensuring both local and global acts receive recognition.

• Eligibility Window: Music videos released between October 1, 2018, and September 30, 2019 were eligible for nomination and voting.
• Public Voting: Fans could vote online for select categories, with MTV Japan’s website and social media platforms serving as primary voting channels.
• Jury Panel: A panel of music industry experts, including producers and critics, helped determine winners in technical and genre-specific categories.
• Award Categories: Over 15 distinct awards were presented, ranging from Best New Artist to Best Collaboration and regional honors.
• International Recognition: Separate awards for Best Male, Female, Group, and Video – International allowed global stars to compete without overshadowing domestic talent.
• Host Venue:Makuhari Messe in Chiba, a major convention center, has hosted the event multiple times due to its capacity and central location near Tokyo.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key categories and winners between Japanese and international artists at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

While Japanese rock and ballad artists dominated domestic categories, K-pop and American pop acts led the international side. BTS and Billie Eilish emerged as dual forces in global music, each winning multiple awards. The contrast highlights Japan’s appreciation for both emotional lyrical depth and high-energy international pop production.

Why It Matters

The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards Japan served as a cultural barometer for the nation’s evolving music landscape, spotlighting both legacy acts and rising stars. Recognition at this event often leads to increased album sales and streaming numbers, especially for emerging artists.

• Winning Best New Artist – Japan boosted Ado’s visibility, leading to a surge in YouTube views and digital downloads.
• Aimer’s sweep reinforced the staying power of vocal-driven ballads in a market increasingly dominated by idol groups.
• BTS’s wins underscored the deep connection between Japanese fans and K-pop, contributing to record concert ticket demand in 2020.
• The inclusion of international categories helps Japanese audiences stay connected to global music trends.
• Artists like milet used their performance slot to debut new singles, leveraging the platform for maximum exposure.
• The awards also highlighted LGBTQ+ representation, with non-binary artist RuPaul honored in a special segment.

Ultimately, the 2019 ceremony reflected a music industry in transition—balancing tradition with innovation, and local identity with global reach.