The 2026 MAMA Awards have officially announced their schedule and venue, reinforcing their status as one of the most influential events in the global music industry. Organized by CJ ENM, the ceremony will take place over two days, November 20 and 21, at the iconic Kyocera Dome Osaka. Fans worldwide will be able to participate via live broadcasts on digital platforms, including Mnet Plus.
Originating in 1999 as the Video Music Awards, the ceremony evolved into a pan-Asian music event by 2009 and was rebranded in 2022 to emphasize its global identity. Over nearly three decades, the MAMA Awards have become known for groundbreaking performances and setting international standards for K-pop production.
The 2026 edition, themed “Music Makes ONE,” aims to expand fan engagement through both on-site and digital experiences. Organizers are planning interactive programs and expanded events to unite global fandoms and create immersive experiences beyond the main ceremony. Recent years have already demonstrated the show’s worldwide reach, including a 2024 relay event across Los Angeles and Osaka, and the 2025 recognition as “Best General Entertainment Programme” at the Asian Academy Creative Awards.
With global payment company Visa as the title sponsor, expectations are high for this edition. As K-pop continues to dominate the international music scene, the 2026 MAMA Awards are set to deliver unforgettable performances, celebrate global fandoms, and further solidify their role as a cultural bridge connecting fans across the world.
