The Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) hosted the Japan Game Awards 2026 Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
The Grand Award went to Pokémon Pokopia, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award was presented to Pokémon, and the Game Designers Award was bestowed upon Word Game.
The 30th Edition! Japan Game Awards 2026 Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony Held!
CESA hosted the Japan Game Awards 2026 Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony to select and honor the definitive gaming titles of the year.
The Games of the Year Division Grand Award was claimed by Pokémon Pokopia!
Appearing as guest presenters, pianist Harami-chan (@harami_piano) and Toshiya Miyata of Kis-My-Ft2 (@t_miyata_kmf2) took the stage.
They energized the venue with piano performances and commentary overflowing with passion for video games.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
- Pokémon
Games of the Year Division
Breakthrough Award
- PRAGMATA
Movement Award
- MECCHA CHAMELEON
Special Award
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Award for Excellence
- Pokémon Pokopia
- DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH
- Donkey Kong Bananza
- Magical Girl Witch Trials
- SILENT HILL f
- Ghost of Yōtei
- Digimon Story: Time Stranger
- Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
- Kirby Air Riders
- PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse
- Resident Evil: Requiem
- PRAGMATA
Game Designers Award
- Word Game
Celebrating its 17th iteration this year, the Game Designers Award draws its final curtain with this presentation at the Japan Game Awards 2026.
Jury head Masahiro Sakurai (@Sora_Sakurai) took the stage to deliver his concluding remarks.
General Concluding Remarks by Masahiro Sakurai on the Game Designers Award
By centering on originality as its core criterion, I believe the Game Designers Award provided an alternative evaluative axis in game awards that otherwise tend to become popularity contests.
To be blunt, originality does not always translate directly into commercial sales, but an industry that loses its originality is destined to slowly fade away.
Our industry exists today precisely because pioneers made brand-new inventions and forged untrodden paths.
While the Game Designers Award comes to a close for now, I truly hope people will continue to pay attention to innovation, originality, and the unique qualities that exist only within a given work.
Thank you all very much for everything up to now.
(Translated from Japanese)
PR TIMES
Games of the Year Division Grand Award Goes to... Pokémon Pokopia!
YouTube- Pokémon Pokopia
Comment from Shigeru Ohmori, Game Freak Inc.
I am truly thrilled!
To see this happen... I hardly know what to say.
Thank you so very much for honoring us with such an award during the momentous milestone of Pokémon's 30th anniversary.
Being able to create a game like this was made possible because Pokémon has continued for 30 years, cherished by players across generations.
Furthermore, the creators at Koei Tecmo Games who co-developed this title with us understood Pokémon so deeply, and that shared dedication culminated in this game.
I believe this was only possible because it is an IP that has been loved for so long.
Thank you so very much.
(Translated from Japanese)
YouTube
Comment from Hisashi Koinuma, Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.
First and foremost, thank you very much.
Developing this title for the 30th anniversary, delivering it precisely on schedule was a rare achievement in itself. Throughout our collaboration, our team strove to surpass everything The Pokémon Company and Game Freak envisioned and hoped for, and I believe that dedication led to receiving this Grand Award today.
Thank you so much.
I am truly delighted!
(Translated from Japanese)
YouTube
Comment from Takanori Sowa, The Pokémon Company
With this year marking Pokémon's 30th anniversary, we are deeply grateful to everyone who embraced and appreciated this fresh way to play Pokémon.
The musical direction—where as soon as the melody plays, you instantly recognize it as Poco a—offers a wonderful charm distinct from traditional Pokémon, and above all, seeing player posts building their own unique worlds makes me feel the gameplay is truly endless.
Speaking for myself and all current players, I hope everyone continues to enjoy Pokémon Pokopia for many years to come.
Thank you so very much for today!
(Translated from Japanese)
YouTube
Japan Game Awards 2026 Future Division Presentation Ceremony Takes Place at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 20!
https://www.youtube.com/live/rWAEkx4HED8?si=iMfJRjFWxEpqu4nS
The Future Division welcomes public voting on all unreleased titles announced and exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2026.
The voting period runs from 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 17 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2026 (JST).
Votes can be cast via the Japan Game Awards 2026 Future Division page.
Cast your vote for the titles that caught your eye!
Award-winning titles will be announced starting at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 20, 2026 (JST).
Anticipation is high to see which titles take home honors!
An archived livestream of the Japan Game Awards 2026 Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony is available on the Tokyo Game Show Official YouTube Channel.
For more details, visit the Japan Game Awards 2026 Official Website.
1253作品の中から大賞に輝いたのは「ぽこ あ ポケモン」！
選考理由を含めた詳細はこちら→ https://t.co/7BPVs9AdIO#日本ゲーム大賞— 日本ゲーム大賞／Japan Game Awards (@JGA_official_JP) September 15, 2026
| Japan Game Awards 2026 Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony Overview | |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Japan Game Awards 2026 Games of the Year Division Presentation Ceremony |
| Organizer | Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) |
| Supporter | Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry |
| Date | Tuesday, September 15, 2026 |
| Venue | Hulic Hall Tokyo |
