Which game will define the year? Voting is now open for the Japan Game Awards 2026 “Games of the Year Division”!

The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA, President: Haruhiro Tsujimoto) is pleased to announce that public voting for the Japan Game Awards 2026 “Games of the Year Division” is now open. This division celebrates the titles that best defined the year in gaming. Any game released in Japan between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, is eligible for consideration.

Voting closes Friday, July 17, at 23:59 (JST). For full details on how to vote, please visit the official Japan Game Awards website: https://awards.cesa.or.jp/en/

Vote for your favorite — and you could win a new console.

Everyone who votes will be automatically entered into a prize lottery, with approximately 350 winners selected in total. This year’s prize lineup includes the PlayStation 5 Pro, Nintendo Switch 2 (Japan-exclusive model), and Xbox Series X, alongside winning game software and merchandise, Tokyo Game Show 2026 admission tickets, and exclusive invitations to the Japan Game Awards Presentation Ceremony.

The “Games of the Year Division” recognizes outstanding titles that best represent the year in computer entertainment. After the public voting period closes, the Japan Game Awards Selection Committee will review all entries and determine the winners of the Grand Award, Awards for Excellence, and additional accolades. Cast your vote and help decide which game represents 2026.

Voting Guidelines

Eligible Titles: All computer entertainment software released in Japan between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, across all platforms: home consoles, handheld devices, PCs, and smartphones. Japanese localized versions of overseas titles are also eligible.

Voting Period: Friday, June 12, 2026 at 13:00 to Friday, July 17, 2026 at 23:59 (JST)

Who Can Vote: Anyone, regardless of age, gender, nationality, location, gaming experience, or whether they own the game. One vote per person. Prize lottery participation is limited to residents of Japan.

How to Vote:

Online: Visit the official Japan Game Awards website at https://awards.cesa.or.jp/en/, complete the required fields, and submit your vote from any smartphone or PC.

By Postcard: Send a postcard with the following information to the address below:

1. Name
2. Gender
3. Age
4. Address
5. Phone Number
6. Occupation
7. Email Address (if applicable)
8. Game Title
9. Platform
10. Reason for Voting
11. Preferred Prize (for Courses A and B, please specify your desired item)

Mailing Address: Japan Game Awards Office, 6F New Nakano Building 1-3-1 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0032, Japan

Prize Details

All prizes are awarded by lottery to participating voters.

Course A: PlayStation 5 Pro / Nintendo Switch 2 (Japan-exclusive model) / Xbox Series X, 3 winners each. Console color cannot be selected.

Course B: Apple Gift Card or Google Play Gift Card (10,000 JPY each), 20 winners total

Course C: Japan Game Awards 2026 “Games of the Year Division” winning software or related merchandise, 100 winners total

Course D: Tokyo Game Show 2026 single-day admission ticket, valid for any one public day: Saturday, September 19; Sunday, September 20; or Monday, September 21 (public holiday)

Course E: Exclusive invitation to the Japan Game Awards 2026 Presentation Ceremony. Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from 18:00 (JST) at Hulic Hall Tokyo (Yurakucho Marion 11F, 2-5-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Prize winners will be notified by delivery only; no public announcement will be made. Prizes can only be shipped to addresses within Japan.

Japan Game Awards 2025 “Games of the Year Division”: Past Winners

Grand Award: Metaphor: ReFantazio by Atlus Co., Ltd. Available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Project xCloud, and Microsoft Windows.

Game Designers Award: INDIKA by Odd Meter Games. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.

Awards for Excellence:

• Metaphor: ReFantazio by Atlus Co., Ltd. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Project xCloud, Microsoft Windows
• Urban Myth Dissolution Center by Shueisha Games Inc. Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
• Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven by Square Enix Co., Ltd. Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
• Dragon Quest III: HD-2D Remake by Square Enix Co., Ltd. Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, Microsoft Windows
• Dynasty Warriors: Origins by Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Tokyo XtremeRacer by Genki Co., Ltd. Steam
• Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii by Sega Corporation. PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
• Monster Hunter Wilds by Capcom Co., Ltd. PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
• The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy by Aniplex Inc. Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
• Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time by Level-5 Inc. Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Steam
• Elden Ring Nightreign by FromSoftware, Inc. PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows

Breakthrough Award: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Kepler Interactive. Xbox Series X/S, GeForce Now, Project xCloud, Microsoft Windows

Movement Award: Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket by The Pokemon Company. Android, iOS

Special Award: PlayStation Store by Sony Interactive Entertainment