K-pop stars who have defined the music scene are set to converge in Japan.
On the 31st, CJ ENM announced it will host the global K-pop awards '2026 MAMA AWARDS' at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan from November 20 to 21.
This marks the third time the MAMA AWARDS will take place at Kyocera Dome Osaka, following 2022 and 2024.
Launched in 1999 as the Mnet Music Video Awards and growing alongside Korea’s music industry, MAMA evolved in 2009 into the nation’s first Asia-focused music awards. After a 2022 rebrand solidified its global footprint, the show made history in 2024 by staging back-to-back events in Los Angeles (LA), United States, and Osaka, Japan — a first for a K-pop awards ceremony.
This year, the event plans a hybrid rollout, including a worldwide live broadcast through digital platforms.
CJ ENM stated, "We are accelerating preparations early to create another turning point," adding, "By distilling 27 years of expertise, we will deliver a truly first-of-its-kind experience."