GirlsAward (ガールズアワード), sometimes abbreviated as GA, is a semi-annual fashion and music event held at Yoyogi National Gymnasium 1st Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.[2][3] It is one of the biggest fashion events in Japan, with approximately 20,000 people attending each time. It is organized by Award Inc. under the slogan "Shibuya to Asia, and the World".[4] From GirlsAward 2017 Autumn/Winter(A/W), Rakuten became the main sponsor.[5] Usually, the Autumn/Winter(A/W) event is held in September to October, and the Spring/Summer(S/S) is held in March to May of each year.
History
On September 9, 2009, the first event GirlsAward 2009 was held at Shibuya O-East. It featured models, gravure idols, and auditions associated with DAM Karaoke system.[6] In 2010, from GirlsAward 2010, the location was moved to Yoyogi National Gymnasium.[7] From January 25 to 27, 2012, a collaboration event was held with South Korean television MBC featuring the fashion show and K-pop music.[8] In 2014, the first overseas event with A-Nation was held in Taiwan.[9] On April 9, 2016, during GirlsAward 2016 S/S, Instagram's CEO Kevin Systrom appeared on the stage and made a selfie performance with Haruna Kojima, a member of AKB48.[10] On September 16, 2017, the venue was changed to Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture for GirlsAward 2017 A/W. In front of 31,000 visitors, Alice Hirose and Suzu Hirose were the first sister performers to appear first on the catwalk.[11] At this event, South Korea's Taemin, a member of Korea's Shinee, made his first solo appearance as a secret guest.[12] At the 2024 Girls Awards A/W, actress Ryoko Yonekura appeared catwalk as a secret guest for the first time in 11 years,[13] and South Korea's Plave was the first virtualboy band to perform.[14]
^Held at Shibuya O-East. MC is Dangerous and special guest is Chinatsu Wakatsuki. Participated models are Kana Tsugihara, Ai, China Fukunaga, Maya Koizumi, Akina Aoshima, Natsumi Kuroki, Riena, Rina Nagasaki, Izumi Nakadai, Mana Honda and Yumi Higashino. Special live artists are SoulJa, Beni, DJ MAYUMI×Maki Goto and miray.[6]