JpopAsia Music Awards 2010 - the results

We've got the results! And we've also got a surprise for you. You can win 5 out of the 24 albums that were nominated as best albums in 2010! How to win? Read on, and enjoy the JIMA 2010 results!

Q1. Favorite artist/band

#1. Agnes Monica
It was a good year for Agnes Monica as she swept many of this year's JIMA awards. Born as Agnes Monica Muljoto on July 1, 1986 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Agnes Monica made her debut as a singer at the tender age of six. However it was in 2003 after releasing her album, ...And the Story Goes, that launched her singing career as an adult. It would go on to sell 30,000 copies in three days, going double platinum later on. Since then, Agnes has released numerous successful singles and albums, her most recent single being "Paralyzed". Agnes' success has reached beyond music borders; currently Agnes has acted in dramas, was invited to co-host in the American Music 2010 Red Carpet Awards and is the only singer in Indonesia who has her own dance group. Agnes has since won: favorite artist/band, best female solo, most promising artist/band, best musical ability (vocal, instrumental, etc.), best use of social media (facebook, twitter, etc.), and sexiest female singer. Congratulations to Agnes!
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  #2. Arashi
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  #3. KAT-TUN

Q2. Best male solo

#1. Akanishi Jin
It's certainly been a busy year for Akanishi Jin, and a year of opportunities for the now ex-KAT-TUN member to express his creative freedom, language, and vocal skills like never before. Akanishi Jin, born on July 4, 1984, is a solo artist under Warner Music Japan and a former member of the group, KAT-TUN. At the age of 14, he joined Johnny & Associates and in 2001, joined the group KAT-TUN with fellow Johnny trainees. The group debuted in 2006 and topped the Oricon charts with every release, boosting Akanishi’s popularity within the Japanese entertainment industry. In 2009, Akanishi joined Mr. Children producer, Takeshi Kobayashi, to form the unit Lands and debuted with the single “Bandage” which also served as the theme to the movie “Bandage” (which Akanishi starred in). Lands later released the album “Olympos” included the single “Bandage” and 7 other songs. On July 17, 2010, Akanishi officially left KAT-TUN to pursue a solo career under Johnny & Associates, which included a United States tour (Yellow Gold 3010) and 16 Japanese concerts afterwards. On December 9, 2010, it was announced that Akanishi would be signed as a solo artist under Warner Music Group (English) and Warner Music Japan (Japanese). His debut single, “Eternal”, a heart-felt ballad, was released March 2, 2011 and took the #1 spot on the Oricon Charts. His first U.S. album is scheduled for release July 4, 2011. Through all his new overseas success, Akanishi Jin still made time for a Japanese arena tour, and the recently released ballad "Eternal" once again proved that whether in Japanese or English, Jin has the power to make an impact. With his constant rise in popularity no doubt due to his good looks and musical talents in singing and writing, it’s no wonder he’s this year’s Most Want-To-Be Boyfriend & Sexiest male singer. Congratulations to Akanishi Jin on winning Best Male Solo of 2010 in the JIMAs!
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  #2. GACKT
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  #3. Tomohisa Yamashita

Q3. Best female solo

#1. Agnes Monica
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  #2. YUI
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  #3. Ayumi Hamasaki

Q4. Best PV 2010

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  #1. Change Ur World
  KAT-TUN
  Using the same title with one of the track in their 13th single, Change Ur World was released. Minus Jin Akanishi, the five still showed their best on this single. Change Ur World song PV was made with strong ambience that expressing the lyrics, encouraging us to change our own boring world. Combination with a smooth cinematography and great visual effect, gives a dramatic scene, especially on the solo scenes. And not to be missed, the dance part on the scene! That has made the whole PV as the best video on JpopAsia Music Awards 2010.
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  #2. Monster
  Arashi
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  #3. Rain
  YUI

Q5. Best single 2010

#1. Love yourself KAT-TUN
Congratulations to Japanese boy band KAT-TUN for winning this years JIMA award for "Best Single 2010"! Since their debut on March 22, 2006 under the label J-ONE Records, and with the nurturing of famous Japanese talent agency Johnny's & Associates, KAT-TUN has released a total of 5 albums and 15 singles. Needless to say, this five member ensemble of multi-talented artists have more than enough experience under their belt to nab our "Best Single 2010" award with the single "Love Yourself (Kimi ga Kirai na Kimi ga Suki)". "Love Yourself", their 11th single of 15, was released on February 10, 2010. Like many of the singles that came before, it peaked at number one on the Oricon Charts, and even sold nearly 440,000 copies, cementing its status as a Platinum Single. The (regular) single was comprised of six tracks: 1.) "Love Yourself (Kimi ga Kirai na Kimi ga Suki)", 2.) "The D-motion", 3.) "Heart Beat", 4.) "Love Yourself (Kimi ga Kirai na Kimi ga Suki)" Original Kararoke, 5.) "The D-Motion" Original Karaoke, and 6.) "Heart Beat" Original Karaoke. Each track staying true to their Jpop roots, whilst incorporating a little something extra. As a whole, "Love Yourself" serves as a reminder to fans as to why they love KAT-TUN so; resulting in its victory here on JPA as well as other achievements.
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  #2. Change Ur World
  KAT-TUN
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  #3. Rain
  YUI

Q6. Best album 2010

#1. NO MORE PAIИ KAT-TUN
With the departure of former member Akanishi Jin, 2010 was an unmistakably tumultuous year for Johnny's Entertainment boy band KAT-TUN. When the group's fifth studio album NO MORE PAIN dropped on June 16th, 2010, fans may not have known what to expect. However, they must have done something right — the votes are in and NO MORE PAIN has been named 2010's best album release! NO MORE PAIN features the chart-topping singles "Going!" and "Love Yourself," also the JIMAs' pick for best single of 2010, for a total of fourteen tracks (including the regular edition bonus track "Hello"). Solos for all five KAT-TUN members are featured on the album, giving every fan something to look forward to. Much like their previous releases, the album proved to be a success as it topped the Oricon weekly album chart with 154,096 copies sold in its first week, making KAT-TUN the first male group in nine years to achieve five consecutive #1 albums (following the record set by KinKi Kids). It was certified gold by the Record Industry Assocation of Japan in June, the same month it was released, and was reported by Oricon to have sold 182,563 copies by the end of 2010. Congratulations to KAT-TUN for their many victories on this outstanding album!
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  #2. Boku no Miteiru Fuukei 僕の見ている風景
  Arashi
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  #3. Holidays in the Sun
  YUI

Q7. Best boyband

#1. Arashi
Debuted in 1999 by idol and talent agency, Johnny & Associates, Arashi took the J-pop music industry by storm. This five member multi-talented group had their breakthrough in 2005 with the single “Wish” and continued to dominate the weekly Oricon charts with their future singles. Arashi’s popularity continues to grow in Japan. Each individual has their own activities ranging from acting, hosting and news casting. They made their first appearance on the 60th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2009. Prominently, their activities in Japan helped them land a second appearance on last year’s 61st NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and also becoming hosts for it. 2010 sees Arashi continue to dominate with number one singles on the Oricon; an impressive run that continued from 2009. They released a total of 6 singles and 1 album. This resulted in Arashi sweeping home 11 Japan Gold Disc Awards and distinguishing them as one of Asia’s top boybands. Congratulations to Arashi for winning the Best Boyband of 2010 on JIMAs!"
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  #2. KAT-TUN
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  #3. Super Junior M

Q8. Best girlband

#1. SCANDAL
Formed in 2006, these four high school students practically became rockstars overnight! Scandal is an all female rock band currently signed to EPIC Records Japan. Much of their popularity was initially acquired through anime openings and endings. Quite a few of their single's a-sides have been the themes for such popular animes as Full Metal Alchemist and BLEACH. Consistently selling well digitally and physically, these girls are a forced to be reckoned with in the Japan music industry. With two critically-acclaimed albums and thirteen singles under their belt, the sky is the limit for these girls! Congrats to “SCANDAL” may they continue to be a monster success in the music industry.
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  #2. AKB48
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  #3. Perfume

Q9. Most promising artist/band

#1. Agnes Monica
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  #2. Arashi
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  #3. KAT-TUN

Q10. Best musical ability (vocal, instrumental, etc.)

#1. Agnes Monica
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  #2. YUI
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  #3. Akanishi Jin

Q11. Best use of social media (facebook, twitter, etc.)

#1. Agnes Monica
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  #2. Hikaru Utada
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  #3. Ayumi Hamasaki

Q12. New artist/band of 2010

#1. Tokyo Girls' Style
Tokyo Girls’ Style is a new girl group hailing from one of Japan’s top record label, Avex Trax. This pop group consists of five charming and cute girls around the age of 12 to 14. Although young, their dancing and voices beg to differ. They pull off powerful dance moves and strong vocals that sound as if in their late teens. Four singles were released in 2010, each with their distinct sound. Their debut single “Kirari☆“ and fourth single, “Himawari to Hoshikuzu”, display their powerful dancing and serious vocals. While "Onnaji Kimochi" and "Ganbatte Itsu Datte Shinjiteru" show their cute side while maintaining the down to earth cheering of a loved one. Being a new group in 2010, they received much success. “Kirari☆“ debuted on Japanese Oricon charts at number 30. The next 2 singles also performed decently on the Oricon. “Himawari to Hoshikuzu” became their highest selling first week single and proved their growing popularity. Congratulate to Tokyo Girls’ Style for winning the New Artist award of 2010! Keep an out for these girls in the future!
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  #2. Team Dragon from AKB48
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  #3. Girls Dead Monster

Q13. Sexiest male singer

#1. Akanishi Jin
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  #2. Tomohisa Yamashita
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  #3. GACKT

Q14. Sexiest female singer

#1. Agnes Monica
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  #2. YUI
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  #3. Ayumi Hamasaki

Q15. Most want-to-be girlfriend/boyfriend

#1. Agnes Monica
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  #1. Akanishi Jin

J-ROCK RESULTS

Q16. Favorite artist/band

#1. the GazettE
Fans, rejoice! After loosing to UVERworld last year, The Gazette confidently took the leading position in Best Rock Artist/Band category in this year's JIMAs. The Gazette is a five-piece visual key rock band that was formed in early 2002 and is currently under Sony Music Japan's VVV Records. They are well known amongst their fans for having great instrumental arrangements, emotional lyrics and variety of musical styles: from alternative rock and heavy metal to ballads - you name it. The Gazette also uses different tunings and wide range of synthesized sounds to create interesting song effects, new listening dynamics and sound diversity. The band's 5th EP "Madara" (March 30, 2004) and third studio album "Stacked Rubbish" (July 4, 2007) both reached #2 on the Oricon Charts, the latter - within a day from the release. Singles "Guren" (February 13, 2008) and "Leech" (November 12, 2008) also entered Oricon daily charts this time landing a #1 spot. The Gazette's first show outside Asia was held in Bonn, Germany at the Beethovenhalle on July 29 2006. And in October 2008 the band had it's first European tour, performing in England, Finland, France, and Germany. Their single "Shiver" (July 21, 2010) was used as the opening theme song to the anime series "Kuroshitsuji II" ("Black Butler II") and song "Chizuru", the B-side of single "Hyena" (February 7, 2007) was also selected as an ending song for the horror Korean movie "Apartment". The band is going to release a new single "Vortex" on 25 of May, this is definitely something to look forward to. In January 2012 The Gazette is going to celebrate it's 10th anniversary since their debut, so we are sure that they will prepare something special for their fans - be ready for a bonus release from them! For now let's congratulate them for winning a smashing six out of six JIMA awards including Favourite artist/band, Best Rock Band and Best Rock Act !
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  #2. LANDS
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  #3. VAMPS

Q17. Best solo

#1. Miyavi
Since his solo debut in 2002, Miyavi's popularity has just increased with every year. Since then he's had time to release a total of seven full albums, and several times he's been found in the Oricon indies charts. His single “Ashita, genki ni naare”, released in 2004, hit the number one spot and could be seen as his true breakthrough. Through the years Miyavi has been touring the world, causing his fanbase to grow even larger by each show. In 2009 he announced his marriage to Melody, a pop singer. Four months later their first child was born, and since October 2010 they have two daughters. However, that fact has not stopped him from making music, quite the opposite. The album “WHAT'S MY NAME” was released only days before his second daughter's birth, and in February this year he began a new world tour that just had it's end! With his experience, devotion and talent, it's not surprising to see Miyavi win the award for Best solo in the J-rock category. Congratulations!
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  #2. T.M. Revolution
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  #3. KAMIJO

Q18. Best rocking PV 2010

• #1. SHIVER
  the GazettE
  Shiver is 17th Gazette's single and was released 21st of July 2010 and it was used as the opening theme for the well-known anime series Kuroshitsuji II. The song itself it's a fast paced one and it sound a lot like their older releases.
  The music video it's completely black and white and it made in a abandoned and destroyed city. In the music video you can see how Ruki wears his trademark gloves and while every member decided to change their hair style only Reita left the same hairstyle as in their older videos. Since the song is a fast paced one the video is in perfectly sync by changing the frames really quickly and never remain still for more than 2 seconds except at the end.
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  #2. REVOLUTION
  VAMPS
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  #3. What's My Name
  Miyavi

Q19. Best single 2010

#1. Pledge the GazettE
Released on December 15, 2010 in the editions “Optical Impression A&B“ and “Auditory Impression“, PLEDGE ranked #2 on the Japanese Oricon weekly charts. It's a sad and heartbreaking ballad which tells the story of a complex relationship. The lyrics are very deep and together with the beautiful melody, the song is able to touch many hearts. Even so, after watching the PV (which was revealed a few weeks before the single's initial release) some fans criticised the song for being “too quiet“ or “too commercial“. Nevertheless, PLEDGE has sold many copies and was now voted “Best J-Rock Single 2010“, here at the JpopAsia International Music Awards! Congratulations!
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  #2. Torture
  Miyavi
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  #3. RED
  the GazettE

Q20. Best album 2010

#1. What's My Name? Miyavi
Best album 2010 - What's my name? - Miyavi Released on October 13th 2010, “What's My Name?” was an anticipated album. Once again Miyavi has done something new. This album is recorded with vocals, acoustic guitars and drums only, with some effects being added later on. “What's My Name” contains 14 tracks, among them a few previously released songs such as TORTURE and SURVIVE. There are a lot of different songs to be found on the album, some quieter than others, some far more up-beat, fit for concerts. A theme that goes through the whole album could be relationships, love, changes, but there is also something deeper. Lately Miyavi has been talking a lot about earth, and how we humans are destroying it. The track GRAVITY was written out of that perspective, and as Miyavi said at concerts before playing it: “Mother earth is crying”. With his talented guitar playing and unique vocals, Miyavi has again rocked the world with this album. Congratulations!
• #2. Beast
  VAMPS
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  #3. Olympos
  LANDS

Q21. Best rockband

#1. the GazettE
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  #2. VAMPS
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  #3. X Japan

Q22. Best rock act

#1. the GazettE
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  #2. LANDS
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  #3. VAMPS

Q23. Most promising artist/band

#1. the GazettE
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  #2. LANDS
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  #3. VAMPS

Q24. Best musical ability (vocal, instrumental, etc.)

#1. Miyavi
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  #2. KAMIJO
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  #3. T.M. Revolution

Q25. New artist/rock band of 2010

#1. 9Goats Black Out
“9GOATS BLACK OUT” was formed in late 2007 by “ryo” (ex-GULLET) with “utA” and “hati“, both ex-Rayarch. One month after launching their official website and independent label “dalli” the group released their first EP “devils in bedside” on a limited press which sold on the website. Having such a good reception on their first EP a second press was released before the regular editions began distribution through selected independent record shops. In June 2008 “9GOATS” were a secret guest performance during an event at “Meguro Rokumeikan” After the “Meguro” event “9GOATS” did several more performances during the summer and winter in the Tokyo area. Their first single “Sleeping Beauty” was released on September 9th 2008. On November 25th 2009 after a performance at “OSAKA MUSE” they went to record their first full-length album “TANATOS” in studio and suspended live activities till early 2010. “TANATOS” was released on March 24th 2010 and reached spot #294 on the “Oricon” where it charted for a week. A month after the release of “TANATOS” it was announced after their May 7th live they would go on an activity pause, with support drummer “aki” departing the group soon after. In November 2010 the band announced their comeback in January of 2011 with a tour titled “Melancholy pool”. “9GOATS BLACK OUT” is currently signed with “CLJ Records” a German independent record label formed in 2006. “CLJ” is a sub division of “Colusseum Music Entertainment” specializing in Japanese visual kei with 31 bands currently signed. Congratulations to “9GOATS BLACK OUT” for winning the New rock band of 2010!!
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  #2. ALSDEAD
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  #3. BugLug

Q26. Sexiest rocker

#1. Miyavi
Miyavi was born on September 14, 1981. He debuted as the guitarist for the visual kei group Dué le Quartz and began his solo career after their break up in 2002. Miyavi bought his first guitar at the age of 15, after an accident left him unable to fulfill his dream as a soccer player. He practiced everyday and now composes, arranges, and produces his own music—proving that he is a true musician. Besides his work in music, Miyavi has modeled for Gothic & Lolita Bible and Focus, and is regularly featured in various J-rock magazines. He also made his acting debut playing himself in the 2003 film Oresama. To keep his body in shape, Miyavi drinks lots of orange juice and practices tai chi every day. Despite his loud personality and 185 cm (6’1”) stature, he is quite shy and gentle. The father of two says that he cannot go a day without giving someone a hug. Just what is it that makes Miyavi so appealing? Is it his pretty face? His eccentric hair styles? His tattooed body? His smile? Maybe it’s even his Japanese and Korean background. Whatever it may be, you voted Miyavi as JIMA 2010’s Sexiest Rocker.
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  #2. KAMIJO
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  #3. Atsushi Sakurai