Tokyo Hosts Billboard Global Power Players 2026 Awards, Marking First Asian Ceremony
The Billboard Global Power Players 2026 Awards Ceremony was held on June 12 at the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Tokyo's Shibuya district. This event marked the first time the awards were staged in Asia and only the second live ceremony, following last year's London event. The ceremony was part of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 WEEK and honored music industry leaders, including Marlene Tsuchii of Creative Artists Agency with the Artist Advocate Award, and Katsumi Kuroiwa and Brandon Silverstein of Avex Inc. Music Group with the Global Growth Award.
Tokyo made history on June 12 by hosting the Billboard Global Power Players 2026 Awards Ceremony at the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya. This landmark event was the first time the awards were held in Asia and only the second live ceremony in the franchise's nearly decade-long history, following a London ceremony the previous year. The evening was incorporated into the broader MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 WEEK.
Billboard CEO Mike Van opened the ceremony, providing context on the Global Power Players franchise, which spans 15 international Billboard editions across five continents. He acknowledged partnerships with Billboard JAPAN and CEIPA (Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association) for making the Tokyo edition possible. Billboard Co-Chief Content Officer Jason Lipshutz then introduced the evening's special awards.
The Artist Advocate Award, recognizing executives who connect artists, audiences, and cross-border opportunities, was presented to Marlene Tsuchii of Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Miyu, a globally active house dancer and TikTok's Dance Creator of the Year for 2022, presented the honor, stating that Tsuchii's support enabled her to become the first Japanese dancer to sign with CAA. Tsuchii, a music agent and Co-head of International Touring, has been instrumental in introducing Japanese acts like YOASOBI, MIYAVI, and BABYMETAL to international markets, and has worked to expand the global reach of Asian artists through projects with 88rising and SM Entertainment.
The Global Growth Award was presented to two honorees: Katsumi Kuroiwa, CEO of Avex Inc. Music Group, and Brandon Silverstein, CEO of Avex Music Group USA. They were recognized for their work in amplifying music's international presence and elevating the global profile of Japan-based independent music and creative talent, notably through a worldwide publishing partnership with Bruno Mars. Japanese group ONE OR EIGHT presented the award, with member NEO expressing their support for Avex.
Kuroiwa remarked on Avex's journey from a small record rental shop to its current standing, acknowledging that their success in the U.S. market was largely due to their collaboration with Silverstein. Silverstein shared his view of the partnership, stating that it has evolved into more than just a business collaboration, aiming to build a global music company headquartered in Tokyo. He also mentioned Avex's global publishing business expansion, including welcoming Bruno Mars to its roster and the announcement of the first phase of its $100 million catalog investment strategy.
According to Billboard, mikako served as the evening's master of ceremonies, conducting the proceedings in English and Japanese.
