On March 19, 2025, the highly anticipated MTV VMAJ Pre-Show took place at the Pia Arena MM in Kanagawa, showcasing the best in music videos across a variety of genres. The event was bustling with excitement as several major artists walked the red carpet, including the popular boy band SixTONES, who were honored with the Group of the Year award.
SixTONES made quite an entrance, appearing in stylish black suits. However, it was their performance that truly lit up the venue. The group impressed the crowd with electrifying renditions of three songs: 'Koko Kara,' 'GONG,' and 'Varia.' Their high-energy performance resonated with the audience, generating loud cheers and encouraging an ecstatic atmosphere. Following their performance, the group accepted their award, with member Jesse saying, "It is a great honor. I sincerely thank you. I think we have come this far together as a team. We aim to keep working hard so that we can receive many more awards in the future!"
His comment drew immediate, playful attention from his fellow members, who chimed in, correcting his humorous blunder of saying "Bon Jovi," which generated laughter throughout the audience. Tanaka Juri added a heartfelt remark about how unexpected it was for the group to achieve such recognition within just a year. He emphasized their commitment to working hard towards future achievements, stating, "A year ago, we never imagined we would receive such a big award. We want to keep working diligently on the tasks at hand so that in one or two years, we can achieve something even greater."
As the event progressed, the group humorously entertained the audience yet again. Morimoto Shintaro, in a light-hearted moment, danced to the choreography of fellow performer aespa, delighting attendees who had just experienced the K-pop group’s own vibrant performance. Shintaro was soon joined by Jesse, who echoed his moves playfully, leading to more laughter from the crowd when Tanaka quipped, "aespa na!" referring to the group's performance vibe.
The MTV VMAJ, or MTV Video Music Awards Japan, has been celebrating exceptional music videos since its inception in 2002. The awards showcase notable works in several categories, providing recognition to outstanding artists and their contributions to the music scene during the eligibility period, which for this year ran from October 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024. This marks the 23rd year of this prestigious awards show.
Aside from SixTONES, this year's event featured performances from upbeat artists including aespa, Mrs. GREEN APPLE, INI, ME:I, and various other noted performers. Celebrities and guests filled the red carpet, including SOTA, MANATO, and LEO from BE:FIRST, showcasing a spectrum of fashion that sparked excitement among fans and attendees alike.
During the red carpet segment, various groups participated, with aespa's members looking stunning in black dresses that accentuated their striking style. GISELLE expressed excitement for the audience's anticipation of their performance, cheerfully stating, "I’m looking forward to performing live, and I hope everyone is looking forward to it too!"
The event captured the essence of the vibrant Japanese music scene, filled with collaboration and celebration. With its mix of awards, performances, and engaging interactions, the MTV VMAJ Pre-Show brought together diverse musical talents, fostering a sense of community amongst fans and artists alike.
The night not only celebrated the achievements of artists but also laid the groundwork for future collaborations and performances, as showcased by the ambitions expressed by both SixTONES and aespa, indicating that the Japanese music industry continues to grow and prosper.
As the event wrapped up, it became clear that the collective joy and camaraderie shared among the musicians and attendees highlighted the importance of such platforms in uplifting the music community while recognizing and honoring excellence within the industry.
