Japan Game Awards 2026: Annual Game Category Announcement and Awards Ceremony! “Poko a Pokémon” Takes Home the Grand Prize!

The Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association (hereinafter referred to as CESA ) held the Japan Game Awards 2026 Annual Works Category Announcement and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The Grand Prize was awarded to " Poko a Pokémon "; the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award went to "Pokémon"; and the Game Designers' Grand Prize was awarded to "Moji Yugi."

The 30th Annual Japan Game Awards 2026 Annual Works Category Announcement and Awards Ceremony Was Held!

CESA held the Japan Game Awards 2026 Annual Game Category Announcement and Awards Ceremony to select and honor game titles worthy of representing the year.
" Poko a Pokémon " took home the Grand Prize in the Annual Game Category !

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Harami-chan ( @harami_piano ) and Toshiya Miyata ( @t_miyata_kmf2 ) of Kis-My-Ft2 took the stage as presenters.
They energized the audience with piano performances and comments brimming with love for games.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

• "Pokémon"

Annual Production Category

Breakthrough Award

• "PRAGMATA"

Movement Award

• "Total Chameleon"

Special Award

• "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie"

Excellence Award

• "Poko a Pokémon"
• "DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH"
• "Donkey Kong Bananza"
• "The Witch Trial of the Magical Girl"
• "SILENT HILL f"
• "Ghost of Yōtei"
• "Digimon Story: Time Stranger"
• "Inazuma Eleven: The Heroes' Road to Victory"
• "Kirby's Air Rider"
• "Panorama Site FILE 38: The Tale of the Ise Mermaid"
• "Resident Evil: Requiem"
• "PRAGMATA"

Game Designers' Grand Prix

• "Word Play"

The "Game Designers' Award" will come to a close following its announcement at this year's Japan Game Awards 2026, which marks its 17th edition .
Masahiro Sakurai ( @Sora_Sakurai ), the head of the judging panel, took the stage and delivered a statement.

Masahiro Sakurai: Overall Comments on the Game Designers’ Grand Prix

I believe that by awarding prizes based on the theme of originality, the Game Designers’ Awards were able to provide a different evaluation criterion within the Japan Game Awards, which often tend to be driven by popular vote.
To put it bluntly, while originality doesn’t always translate directly into sales, an industry that loses its originality will simply fade away over time.
I believe the industry exists today precisely because there have been new inventions and pioneers who blazed new trails.
Although the Game Designers Awards are coming to a close for now, I would be grateful if you would continue to focus on novelty, originality, and the unique qualities that each work possesses.
Thank you very much for everything.

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The Grand Prize in the Annual Works Category goes to... “Poko a Pokémon”!

YouTube

• "Poko a Pokémon"

Comment from Shigeru Omori of Game Freak Co., Ltd.

I’m truly overjoyed!
I never imagined this would happen… I’m not even sure what to say.
Thank you so much for giving us this award at such a memorable time—the 30th anniversary of Pokémon.
The reason we were able to create a game like this is because Pokémon has been around for 30 years, and people from every generation have loved it.
Also, the creators who worked with Koei Tecmo Games really understood Pokémon, and I believe that accumulation of knowledge led to this game.
I believe this game was only possible because it’s an IP that has been loved for so long.
Thank you very much.

YouTube

Comment from Hisashi Koinuma, Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.

First of all, thank you so much.
Since this was a project developed in anticipation of the 30th anniversary, I think it was quite a rare title that we were able to complete on schedule. Through our collaboration, we aimed to exceed not only what Pokémon and Game Freak wanted to do, but even their expectations—and I believe that’s what led to us winning this Grand Prize.
Thank you very much for today.
I’m truly delighted!

YouTube

Comment from Takanori Sowa of The Pokémon Company

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and we’re grateful that everyone who played this new way to enjoy Pokémon has given it such positive feedback.
I think it’s great that the music sets it apart from other Pokémon games—you know it’s “Poko a” the moment the melody starts playing! Above all, seeing the posts from users, I can tell they’re creating their own unique worlds, and I feel like the possibilities for play are truly endless.
I feel this way myself, and I hope that everyone playing right now will continue to enjoy “Poko A Pokémon” for many years to come.
Thank you so much for joining us today!

YouTube

The Japan Game Awards 2026 “Future Division” announcement and awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, September 20, starting at 1:00 PM!

The “Future Division” is open to public voting for all unreleased titles announced and exhibited at the Tokyo Game Show 2026.
Voting runs from 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
You can vote on the Japan Game Awards 2026 “Future Division” page.
Cast your vote for the title you’re most interested in!

The winners will be announced on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
We can’t wait to see which titles will take home the awards!

An archive of the Japan Game Awards 2026 Annual Game Category Announcement and Awards Ceremony is available on the Tokyo Game Show official YouTube channel.
For more details, please visit the official Japan Game Awards 2026 website.