The winners and nominees for the 66th Japan Record Awards, hosted by the Japan Composer's Association, were revealed on November 20. As one of the most anticipated events in Japanese music, the awards will conclude with the announcement of the Grand Prix and Best New Artist on December 30 during the live ceremony broadcast on TBS.

This year, the Excellence Awards feature 10 standout songs, including Creepy Nuts' "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born," Da-iCE's "I wonder," and Omoinotake's "Ikkuokukouen". Notably, Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s "Lilac" could secure the group a consecutive Grand Prix win after their success last year. Among these nominees, three acts will also debut on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen, adding to their acclaim.

The Newcomer Awards category includes five artists for the first time since 2008, featuring ILLIT, Kokoro Umetani, Kocchi no Kento, Yudai Koyama, and ME:I. One of these artists will be awarded Best New Artist during the ceremony’s finale.

Special recognitions this year celebrate Creepy Nuts, GLAY, tuki., TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Number_i, and Ayumi Hamasaki, highlighting their contributions to the music industry. The Special Album Award went to Hikaru Utada for SCIENCE FICTION, while the Special International Music Awards honored ATARASHII GAKKO! and LE SSERAFIM.

The live broadcast on December 30 will run from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM JST. Fans can look forward to seeing who will take home the coveted Grand Prix and Best New Artist awards during the event’s grand finale.

Grand Prix Nominees (Excellence Awards)

"I wonder" – Da-iCE
"Ikkuokukouen" – Omoinotake
"Kurenai no Chou" – Keisuke Yamauchi
"Supernatural" – NewJeans
"NEW KAWAII" – FRUITS ZIPPER
"Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" – Creepy Nuts
"Masterplan" – BE:FIRST
"Yume Mita Kajitsu" – Junretsu
"Lilac" – Mrs. GREEN APPLE
"Love seeker" – JO1

Newcomer Awards:
ILLIT
Kokoro Umetani
Kocchi no Kento
Yudai Koyama
ME:I