Music Scene

K-Pop’s Biggest Nights Return to Osaka

MAMA Awards: Two Nights of Global K-Pop Superstars

The 2026 MAMA Awards bring K-pop’s international stars to Kyocera Dome Osaka for two nights of live performances, music honors and a citywide fan celebration.

Why is one of South Korea’s biggest music awards ceremonies taking place in Osaka? Because K-pop has become a global phenomenon, and Japan is one of its most important international markets. On November 20–21, 2026, the MAMA Awards return to Kyocera Dome Osaka for two nights of superstar performances, major music honors and the electrifying atmosphere of an international K-pop celebration.

The first announced lineup for 2026 already promises plenty of excitement. Friday, November 20, designated Chapter 1, features ENHYPEN, BABYMONSTER, ILLIT, INI, NCT WISH and others. Saturday, November 21, or Chapter 2, brings LE SSERAFIM, TWICE’s NAYEON, ZEROBASEONE and more. Each evening has its own program, making the choice of which night to attend particularly important for fans.

This year’s theme, “A MUSIC INTERSTELLAR,” imagines music as a force connecting people across boundaries. The celebration also extends beyond the dome through MAMA FAN FESTA, a series of fan experiences taking place around Osaka and online from November 9–21.

But MAMA is much more than an awards presentation. Its ambitious stage productions, elaborate choreography and unexpected collaborations have made the ceremony a major attraction in their own right. At the 2024 Osaka edition, thousands of synchronized light sticks transformed Kyocera Dome into a shifting sea of color, while spectacular performances unfolded onstage. The second night delivered an unforgettable surprise when G-DRAGON reunited with fellow BIGBANG members TAEYANG and DAESUNG, creating one of the ceremony’s defining moments.

Osaka’s relationship with MAMA is part of a much bigger international story. First established in 1999 by Korean music television channel Mnet, the awards have evolved from a domestic ceremony into a worldwide entertainment spectacle. s Formerly known as the Mnet Asian Music Awards, MAMA has traveled across Asia and beyond, with Osaka previously hosting the event in 2022 and 2024. This year’s return strengthens the city’s growing role as a gathering place for K-pop’s international fan community.

For two nights, Kyocera Dome becomes a stage where K-pop’s biggest names, devoted fans and unexpected musical moments come together. Whether you’re cheering for a favorite group or discovering new performers, MAMA offers something an ordinary concert cannot: the excitement of watching an entire musical culture celebrate its achievements.

Two Nights of K-Pop — Experience separate star-studded awards ceremonies on November 20 and 21.

Global Superstar Lineup — See ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, BABYMONSTER, INI and other major acts.

Spectacular Live Performances — Discover elaborate choreography, dazzling staging and special musical moments.

MAMA FAN FESTA — Explore K-pop fan experiences across Osaka and online from November 9–21.

A Global Celebration in Osaka — Kyocera Dome hosts MAMA for the third time, following 2022 and 2024.

Photos: mNet official website

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Opening Hours

Sunday Nov. 20, 2026: Chapter 1: Awards ceremony 18:00

Closed

Monday Nov. 21, 2026: Chapter 2: Awards ceremony 15:00

THE SCENE: FAQ’s

ACCESS

Venue: Kyocera Dome Osaka (京セラドーム大阪)
Address: 3-2-1 Chiyozaki, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0023

TRAINS

Hanshin Namba Line → Dome-mae Station (immediately outside the venue)
JR Osaka Loop Line → Taisho Station (approximately 7-minute walk)

SUBWAYS

Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line → Dome-mae Chiyozaki Station (immediately outside the venue)
Osaka Metro Chuo Line → Kujo Station (approximately 9-minute walk)

Walking Directions

Dome-mae Station and Dome-mae Chiyozaki Station provide the most convenient access, with the stadium visible immediately outside. From JR Taisho Station, follow the pedestrian signs toward Kyocera Dome Osaka.

Expect substantial crowds around the surrounding stations before and after both ceremonies.

◷ FROM CENTRAL OSAKA

From Namba: Approximately 15–20 minutes via the Hanshin Namba Line from Osaka-Namba Station to Dome-mae, including the walk.
From Osaka-Umeda: Approximately 25–30 minutes via the JR Osaka Loop Line from Osaka Station to Taisho, including the walk.

SCHEDULE

The 2026 MAMA Awards take place over two days at Kyocera Dome Osaka, with separate live awards ceremonies and confirmed performers for each day.

Friday, November 20, 2026 — CHAPTER 1

15:30 — Red carpet broadcast begins
18:00 — Awards ceremony begins

Confirmed Performing Artists:

ALPHA DRIVE ONE
BABYMONSTER
ENHYPEN
ILLIT
INI
NCT WISH
RESCENE

Saturday, November 21, 2026 — CHAPTER 2

12:30 — Red carpet broadcast begins
15:00 — Awards ceremony begins

Confirmed Performing Artists:

CORTIS
KiiiKiii
LE SSERAFIM
NAYEON (TWICE)
ZEROBASEONE

Important: Each day has its own live performances and awards ceremony. Tickets are sold separately for Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. The listed red carpet times refer to the broadcast, and venue admission times should be checked separately.

Official Event Information:
https://mnetjp.com/mama/2026/

Official Performing Artist Announcement:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001633.000003711.html

TICKETS

Reserved Seat: ¥25,000 per person, per day
Premium Seat: ¥35,000 per person, per day (subject to special application conditions)

All seats are assigned. Tickets are sold separately for November 20 (Chapter 1) and November 21 (Chapter 2).

First Ticket Lottery: October 13–18, 2026

Applications Open: October 13, 2026, at 12:00
Application Deadline: October 18, 2026, at 23:59
Lottery Results: October 21, 2026, at 12:00
Payment Deadline: October 23, 2026, at 23:59

This is a lottery, not first-come, first-served. Applicants must use either the Visa presale or the FESTA SUPER PASS presale; applications cannot be submitted through both.

Premium Seats: Applicants must also apply for a reserved seat for the same performance and number of tickets. Premium seats cannot be requested independently.

Ticket Limit: Maximum two tickets per category, per performance. Additional ticketing fees apply.

Electronic Tickets: All tickets are issued through the Tixplus electronic ticket system. A compatible smartphone and free Plus member ID are required.

Identification: The purchaser’s registered name must match their identification. Identity checks may be conducted at the venue.

Age Restrictions: Children under 3 are not admitted. Children aged 3 and older require a ticket.

Official Ticket Applications:
https://www.qoo10.jp/gmkt.inc/Special/Special.aspx?sid=367181

Official Event Website:
https://mnetjp.com/mama/2026/

Important: Artist appearances are subject to change, and the organizer does not offer refunds solely because a scheduled performer changes or cancels. Review the official purchasing conditions before applying.

THE EXPERIENCE

The MAMA Awards bring together K-pop’s biggest stars for an international celebration that combines live performances, major music honors and the excitement of a televised awards ceremony. Here’s what makes the experience different from an ordinary concert.

Two Distinct Chapters — Each day features a separate ceremony and performer lineup, giving fans the opportunity to choose their favorite artists or attend both nights.
Live Awards Presentations — Watch artists receive honors recognizing achievements in Korean popular music, with winners and special presenters appearing throughout the ceremonies.
Spectacular Performance Stages — MAMA is renowned for elaborate choreography, ambitious stage designs and special musical collaborations created specifically for the awards.
Unforgettable Musical Moments — At the 2024 Osaka ceremony, G-DRAGON reunited onstage with BIGBANG members TAEYANG and DAESUNG, demonstrating the unexpected encounters that have become part of MAMA’s appeal.
A Stadium-Wide Light Show — Firsthand reporting from the 2024 ceremony described thousands of synchronized light sticks illuminating Kyocera Dome in coordinated colors, transforming the audience into part of the spectacle.
MAMA FAN FESTA — Running November 9–21, 2026, the celebration extends beyond the stadium with additional K-pop fan experiences planned across Osaka and online.

With its combination of major artists, exclusive performances and international fan culture, MAMA offers an opportunity to experience the scale and excitement of K-pop’s global phenomenon in one extraordinary event.

INFO & TIPS

Arrival: Allow extra time for security screening, ticket verification and finding your entrance. Kyocera Dome Osaka is a large stadium, and substantial crowds are expected before and after both ceremonies.

Red Carpet: The published red carpet times refer to the television broadcast. Standard admission tickets do not automatically include access to red carpet activities.

Electronic Tickets: Admission uses the Tixplus electronic ticket system. Make sure your smartphone is charged, your ticket is accessible and your registration details are correct before arriving.

Identification: Bring valid identification matching the name registered with your ticket application. Identity checks may be conducted at the venue.

Photography & Recording: Follow the organizer’s rules regarding photography, video recording and livestreaming. Restrictions may be particularly strict during a televised awards ceremony.

Accessibility: Visitors requiring wheelchair seating or assistance should contact the organizer before purchasing tickets. Kyocera Dome provides barrier-free facilities, but event-specific seating arrangements are managed by the promoter.

Venue Accessibility Information:
https://www.kyoceradome-osaka.jp/guide/barrierfree/