MANILA, Philippines — Three Filipino songs are in contention at this year’s Music Awards Japan, but it will prove to be a battle to even make it in the category.
Music Awards Japan debuted last year to honor musical talents from within Japan, around Asia, and in the Western regions.
The ceremony is organized by Japan’s Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association, founded by five major Japanese music associations, and supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
Cup of Joe’s “Multo,” Dionela’s “Marilag,” and Earl Agustin’s “Tibok” are all in contention for the Best Song Asia category, first won by K-pop group Aespa’s “Supernova.”
While all three dominated streams locally, they face tough competition from K-pop entries like Twice’s “This is For,” Jin of BTS’ “Don’t Say You Love Me,” Seventeen’s “Thunder,” Le Sserafim’s “Different” and “Spaghetti” (the latter with BTS’ J-Hope), and Boynextdoor’s “Count to Love.”
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There is also Blackpink’s “Jump,” member Jisoo’s collab with Zayn Malik “Eyes Closed,” another member Jennie’s “Like Jennie” and her collab with Doechii “Extra L,” and Filipino-American Bruno Mars’ collab with Sexyy Red “Fat Juicy & Wet.”
Expected to make the cut are “Soda Pop” and “Golden” from the hit animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters,” with the latter’s remix by David Guetta also in the running.
Nominees will be announced on April 30, with the final voting beginning that day until May 20 ahead of the ceremony on June 13.
Last year, “APT.” was named Best International song. It is Mars’ collab with another Blackpink member, Rose. Lola Amour’s “Raining in Manila” won the Special Award for Philippine Popular Music.
Fujii Kaze’s “Love All Serve All” won Album of the Year, Mrs. Green Apple won Artist of the Year, and Creepy Nuts’ “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” won Song of the Year.
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