Billboard’s Global Power Players Awards finally crossed into Asia, and that matters for publishers, rights holders, and executives tracking where the global music business is being actively built. The 2026 ceremony in Tokyo was not just another industry dinner; it was the franchise’s first live event in Asia and only its second live presentation overall.
Tokyo becomes the franchise’s newest live stage
The Billboard Global Power Players 2026 Awards Ceremony took place June 12 at the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. Presented as part of MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 WEEK, the event followed last year’s London ceremony and marked the first time the awards were staged in Asia. mikako served as master of ceremonies, conducting the proceedings in English and Japanese across roughly 30 minutes of tributes to executives shaping the global music business.
Billboard CEO Mike Van opened the ceremony by framing the Global Power Players franchise as nearly a decade old and spread across 15 international Billboard editions on five continents. He said the Tokyo edition was made possible through partnerships with Billboard JAPAN and CEIPA, the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association. Billboard Co-Chief Content Officer Jason Lipshutz then introduced the evening’s three special awards.
CAA’s Marlene Tsuchii is honored for artist advocacy
The first special award, the Artist Advocate Award, went to Marlene Tsuchii of Creative Artists Agency. The honor recognizes an executive who connects artists, audiences and cross-border opportunities while championing clients. It was presented by Miyu, a globally active house dancer and TikTok’s Dance Creator of the Year for 2022.
Miyu said, “Marlene Tsuchii changed my life. Thanks to her support, I became the first Japanese dancer to sign with CAA.” Tsuchii, who serves as music agent and Co-head of International Touring at CAA, has worked as a liaison introducing Japanese acts including YOASOBI, MIYAVI and BABYMETAL to international markets. In accepting the award, she reflected on nearly 25 years at CAA and said she feels an inherent responsibility to expand the reach of Japanese artists.
Avex’s Kuroiwa and Silverstein share global growth recognition
The Global Growth Award was presented to two honorees: Avex Inc. Music Group CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa and Avex Music Group USA CEO Brandon Silverstein. The award recognizes leaders who have amplified music’s international presence and influence through bold vision and collaboration. Both were recognized for elevating the global profile of Japan-based independent music and creative talent, especially through a worldwide publishing partnership with Bruno Mars.
The award was presented by Japanese group ONE OR EIGHT, with member NEO saying, “Every step of the way Katsumi and Brandon from Avex have had our backs, supporting us as we follow our dreams.” Kuroiwa said Avex began as a small record rental shop and noted that the company could not have succeeded if it had tried to enter the U.S. market alone. Silverstein said his relationship with Avex has become much more than a partnership.
What to watch next: the Tokyo ceremony puts Billboard’s Global Power Players franchise into a new region, and the awards are now tied to broader partnerships in Japan through Billboard JAPAN and CEIPA.
For editorial consideration and industry coverage inquiries, contact [email protected]
