NEW
ARTIST
OF
THE
YEAR

Entry Specifications

A comprehensive list is compiled for each Aggregation Period using all songs that ranked across any of the seven indicators — the six Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 metrics (Radio, CD Sales, Downloads, Streaming, Music Video, and Karaoke) plus Top User Generated Songs.

From these charts, the top 30 songs by artists selected in accordance with the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs rules are extracted.

After all Aggregation Periods are completed, all songs extracted from each period are ranked based on their points. Duplicates below the highest point for each artist and each song are removed, and the top 50 artists are designated as Entry Artists.

※Eligible artists must have debuted within the past three years (artists whose songs were first released digitally through official services or physically on or after January 1, 2022). Artists who were entered for the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025 New Artist of the Year or nominated in other categories are not eligible.
※Eligible songs must have had their full official audio or video first released through official services, either digitally or physically, between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.

Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs Selection Rules

Artists are excluded if they meet either of the following conditions:

The artist ranked within the Top 20 of the Hot 100 or Top 10 of Hot Albums more than six months (26 weeks) ago.

The artist charted within the Top 20 of Heatseekers Songs for at least four months (17 weeks) during the most recent six-month (26-week) period.

※Units or projects involving artists who fall under the exclusion criteria above are also excluded. However, artists performing under completely different aliases are not excluded.
※Only domestic artists are eligible.
※Points from member solo songs included in a group’s singles, EPs, or albums are counted toward the group’s total points.

Aggregation Period

First Voting Period

All Domestic Voting Members are required to vote, while Overseas Voting Members may vote on a voluntary basis.

Each member must vote for 2 to 5 entries from the list of Entry Works.

※Self-selection is permitted, but duplicate selections are not allowed.

Final Voting Period

All Domestic and Overseas Voting Members will participate in the voting.
Overseas Voting Members will vote in the final round only.

Each voter will rank up to three artists from among the nominees. Points will be allocated as follows. First place 4 points, second place 2 points, third place 1 point.

※Voters may rank up to three artists. Ranking fewer than three is permitted.
※Self selection is permitted and duplicate selections are not allowed.

Winners

Artists, producers, directors, managers, and A&R representatives.