Rakuten GirlsAward 2026 SPRING/SUMMER: “CUTE WITH A BITE.” Unleashes New Wave of Kawaii Fashion and Music
Get ready for a captivating blend of fashion and music as “Rakuten GirlsAward 2026 SPRING/SUMMER” descends upon the Yoyogi National Gymnasium on April 18th, 2026. This highly anticipated event promises to redefine “Kawaii” with its bold theme, “CUTE WITH A BITE. – It’s not just ‘cute’.”
The event’s theme, “CUTE WITH A BITE. – It’s not just ‘cute’.”, delves into the multifaceted nature of a girl’s heart. It embraces the thrill of cuteness, the desire for strength, and a playful, even slightly mischievous, spirit. The concept aims to validate every facet of a person’s identity, encouraging confidence and self-acceptance. The key visual, crafted by co.ri.n, a planning and graphic designer from KONNEKT INTERNATIONAL, perfectly embodies this sentiment with its angelic yet devilish charm.
A Powerhouse Lineup of Artists and Performers
The first wave of performers promises an electrifying atmosphere. The main dancer & back vocal group Chotokkyu, celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, will return to the GirlsAward stage after an eight-year hiatus, ready to ignite the venue. Joining them are CANDY TUNE, whose viral hit “Bai Bai FIGHT!” led to their appearance on last year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, and GPP, SM Entertainment Japan’s first Japanese girl group, making their major fashion event debut after their December major debut.
Guiding the event as MCs will be Yama-chan (Ryota Yamasato) of Nankai Candies, marking his 18th GirlsAward appearance, alongside Kasumi Mori, celebrated for her charming persona and named “Face of the Year 2025” by Nikkei Trendy. This duo, collaborating for the seventh time, is set to keep the energy high.
The runway will be graced by a stellar cast of models and guests, including:
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Models: Tomomi Itano, Ringo, Meru Nukumi, Yuuchami, Kana Itakura (CUTIE STREET), Nagisa Manabe (CUTIE STREET), and many more.
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Guests: Kouta Nomura, a rising handsome actor, Fumiki Ogawa from the popular dance vocal group BUDDiiS, and the sibling duo Moryu-Shuto. These personalities are sure to add an extra layer of excitement to the show.
Additional artists, models, and special content are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, building further anticipation for this grand event.
Event Details and How to Attend
This year’s GirlsAward continues to be a pivotal platform for showcasing Japanese youth culture and fashion, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees both in person and online. As the organizers put it, the event aims to softly affirm every aspect of a girl’s identity, empowering all to say, “I’m good just the way I am.” It’s a powerful message that resonates deeply within the evolving landscape of Kawaii culture, encouraging authenticity and self-expression.
Event Overview
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Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
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Doors Open: 13:00 (JST)
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Show Starts: 14:30 (JST) (tentative)
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Venue: Yoyogi National Gymnasium (2-1-1 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
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Theme: “CUTE WITH A BITE. – It’s not just ‘cute’.”
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Special Sponsorship: Rakuten Group, Inc. and various Rakuten Group companies (Rakuten Card, Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Ticket, etc.)
Ticket Information
Official pre-sale (lottery) tickets are available.
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Application Period: January 20 (Tuesday) 13:00 – January 22 (Thursday) 23:59 (JST)
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Ticket Prices: Early bird arena reserved seat ¥14,000 / Early bird stand reserved seat ¥10,000
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Ticket Application: https://girls-award.com/ticket/
Inquiries
Kyodo Tokyo: http://kyodotokyo.com/
Phone: 0570-550-799 (Weekdays 11:00-18:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-18:00 JST)
Official Links
Stay updated with the latest news and announcements through the official channels:
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Official Website: https://girls-award.com/
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X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/GirlsAward
This event is not just a fashion show; it’s a cultural phenomenon that shapes trends and celebrates individuality. For global fans of Japanese fashion and music, GirlsAward continues to be a beacon, showcasing the dynamic evolution of Kawaii culture and its boundless appeal.
