What Is 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan was held on November 7, 2020, marking the 19th edition of the ceremony, which celebrated the best in Japanese and international music videos through fan voting and industry judging panels.

Key Facts

The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan aired on November 7, 2020
This was the 19th annual edition of the Japanese VMAs
The event was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Fan voting determined winners in most major categories
BTS won Best Group and Best International Artist

Overview

The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan celebrated the most influential music videos and artists in Japan and around the world during a unique year shaped by global health restrictions. Unlike previous in-person ceremonies, this edition adapted to virtual formats to ensure safety while maintaining high production quality and fan engagement.

The awards highlighted achievements across genres, with a strong emphasis on digital reach and social media impact. Fan participation played a central role, with online voting shaping outcomes in major categories such as Best Song and Best Artist.

November 7, 2020: The official air date for the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan, marking its 19th annual iteration.
Virtual ceremony: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, no live audience was present, and performances were pre-recorded or streamed remotely.
Fan-driven voting: Over 70% of category winners, including Best New Artist and Best Pop Video, were determined by public online ballots.
International recognition: BTS won Best Group and Best International Artist, reflecting their massive regional popularity.
Local talent spotlight: Japanese acts like Official Hige Dandism and LiSA received multiple nominations, with LiSA winning Best Rock Video for "Gurenge".

How It Works

The MTV Video Music Awards Japan combines industry judging with public voting to determine winners across more than 15 categories, blending artistic merit with audience popularity. The 2020 format emphasized digital accessibility, allowing fans to vote via the MTV Japan website and mobile app.

Eligibility Period: Music videos released between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020 qualified for consideration, ensuring recent content was featured.
Voting System: Public votes accounted for 70% of the final tally in fan-choice categories, while industry experts contributed the remaining 30%.
Categories: Awards included Best Male Video, Best Collaboration, and Best Dance Video, with some categories split by region (Japan vs. International).
Production Format: The 2020 show used pre-recorded segments and remote acceptances, avoiding live gatherings to comply with public health guidelines.
Host Platform: The ceremony aired on MTV Japan and streamed globally via MTV’s official YouTube channel, increasing international access.
Winner Announcement: Results were revealed in a two-hour special broadcast, with winners receiving digital trophies and promotional opportunities.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key categories and winners from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan highlights evolving trends in music consumption and fan engagement.

Category	2018 Winner	2019 Winner	2020 Winner
Best Artist	Arashi	Taylor Swift	BTS
Best New Artist	Da-iCE	King Gnu	Yuma Uchida
Best Pop Video	“Lemon” – Kenshi Yonezu	“Sen to Rei” – Aimyon	“Stay Gold” – BTS
Best Rock Video	“Pretender” – Official Hige Dandism	“Gekkou” – Aimyon	“Gurenge” – LiSA
Best International Artist	Ed Sheeran	Ariana Grande	BTS

The shift toward K-pop dominance is evident, with BTS winning three awards in 2020, including Best Group and Best International Artist. Japanese anime music also gained traction, as seen in LiSA’s win for “Gurenge,” the theme from Demon Slayer. These results reflect changing viewer demographics and the growing influence of streaming platforms on music visibility.

Why It Matters

The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards Japan underscored how award shows can adapt to global challenges while maintaining cultural relevance. By embracing digital formats and fan participation, the event preserved its role as a barometer of musical trends in Asia.

Global reach: The virtual format allowed over 2.3 million global viewers to tune in, surpassing previous years’ regional audiences.
K-pop influence: BTS’s sweep highlighted the rising dominance of Korean pop in Japanese music markets.
Streaming integration: The awards emphasized YouTube views and social media engagement as key metrics for nomination eligibility.
Support for anime music: LiSA’s win validated the commercial power of anime theme songs in mainstream music.
Pandemic adaptation: The success of the virtual model set a precedent for future hybrid award events in Japan.
Youth engagement: Over 65% of voters were aged 15–24, proving the VMAs’ continued relevance to younger audiences.

As music continues to evolve in the digital age, the 2020 ceremony demonstrated that innovation and inclusivity can sustain award shows even in challenging times.