Japan Game Awards


The Japan Game Awards are an awards ceremony held by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) to recognize outstanding video games released in Japan throughout the previous year. The ceremony is held in Japan, typically during the month of September, to coincide with the Tokyo Game Show convention.
First announced in 1996 as the "CESA Awards", the first edition of the event was held on April 4, 1997. Starting from the fourth edition, held in 2000, the name was changed to "Japan Game Awards", only to be retitled "CESA GAME AWARDS" for its sixth edition in 2002, finally settling on its current title of "Japan Game Awards" starting from the tenth edition, held in 2006.
While it represents the Japanese video game industry, the awards are not limited to Japanese video games, but may also include video games developed by international teams or individuals.
WWW Official Site𝕏 JGA_official_JPFB JapanGameAwards

Award Divisions

Games of the Year

The "Games of the Year Division" awards games that have been released during the qualifying period for game consoles, PC or mobile devices. Selection of winning titles is performed by a selection committee, with public voting and sales figures also taken into account. Multiple categories are awarded, with the highest distinction being the "Grand Prize", equivalent to the "Game of the Year" award in other ceremonies and trade publications. While in most categories only one title is awarded, the "Award for Excellence" category includes multiple winners, and the "Grand Prize" has gone to more than one title on multiple occasions. In the 2010 edition, a "Game Designers Award" was introduced, proposed by renowned game developer Masahiro Sakurai after reflecting on the fact that other categories favored games with large sales numbers rather than reflecting the perspective of game creators.

Future Division

This category was established at the 2001 edition of the event. It awards games that have yet to be released, and that are announced or exhibited during the Tokyo Game Show held during the eligible period, based on a public vote held by attendees, in virtue of the games' promise and the voters' anticipation for their release. Games that are not exhibited at Tokyo Game Show are not eligible for selection.

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (METI Award)

Established at the 2008 edition of the Japan Game Awards, this award is given to both video games and people who significantly contribute to the development of the Japanese video game industry "through creation of excellent products" or those who "expanded the scope of the videogame industry using a new expression or technology". The first recipient of this award was Shigeru Miyamoto.

Discontinued divisions

The following divisions were introduced throughout the history of the Japan Game Awards, but are no longer awarded.

Amateur Division

Established in the 2007 edition by merging the pre-existing "CESA Student Game Awards" and "Game Awards Indies", this division awarded original works that had not been commercially marketed regardless of whether the entrant is a company, a group of people or a single individual. Participants must reside in Japan to be eligible. This division consisted of three categories, awarded by a selection committee: "Grand Award", "Awards for Excellence", and "Honorable Mentions". Starting with the 2024 edition, this category is no longer awarded at the Japan Game Awards, and was instead transferred to the "Kamigame Creator Evolution" contest sponsored by NHK Enterprises, along with the "U18 Division" contest.

U18 Division

This division, established in the 2018 edition, consisted on a contest for game creators under the age of 18. According to the official website of the division, its aim was "discovering the next generation of game creators". Participants could be individuals or teams. Starting with the 2024 edition, this category is no longer awarded at the Japan Game Awards, and was instead transferred to the "Kamigame Creator Evolution" contest sponsored by NHK Enterprises, along with the "Amateur Division" awards.

History

The ceremony was first carried out under the name "CESA Awards" in 1996, and was renamed to "Japan Game Awards" in 1999 for its fourth edition. Starting from the 2003 edition, games considered for awards are usually those released during the previous Japanese fiscal year, between April 1 of the previous year and March 31 of the current year, although earlier editions of the award encompassed the previous calendar year.

CESA Awards '96 (1997)

Held on April 4, 1997. Games eligible were those released during the previous calendar year, between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 1996. The following categories were awarded:

CESA Awards '97 (1998)

Held on April 3, 1998 at Velfarre. Games eligible were those released during the previous calendar year, between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1997. The following categories were awarded:Grand Prize Final Fantasy VII

The 3rd CESA Awards (1999)

Held on April 2, 1999 at Velfarre. Games eligible were those released during the previous calendar year, between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 1998. A total of 130,186 votes were received for different categories. The following categories were awarded:

The 4th Japan Game Awards (2000)

Held on March 30, 2000 at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Games eligible were those released during the previous calendar year, between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 1999. The following categories were awarded:

The 5th Japan Game Awards (2001)

Held on March 29, 2001 at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Games eligible were those released during the previous calendar year, between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2000. Unlike previous years, nominees were announced as wel as the winners. The following categories were awarded:

The 6th CESA Game Awards (2002)

Held on October 28, 2002 at the Hotel Okura Tokyo. Games eligible were those released between January 1, 2001 and March 31, 2002. The following categories were awarded:

Game Awards 2001 - 2002

Game Awards Future

The 7th CESA Game Awards (2003)

Held on October 30, 2003 at the ANA Hotel Tokyo in Minato, Tokyo. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2003. The following categories were awarded:

Game Awards 2002 - 2003

Game Awards Future

The 8th CESA Game Awards (2004)

Held on October 27, 2004 at the ANA Hotel Tokyo in Minato, Tokyo. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2004. The following categories were awarded:

Game Awards 2003 - 2004

Game Awards Future

Game Awards Indies

  • Grand Prize Burger Maker
  • Award for Excellence ''MANNEKENPIS''

The 9th CESA Game Awards (2005)

Held on October 27, 2005 at Meguro Gajoen in Meguro, Tokyo. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2005. The following categories were awarded:

Game Awards 2004 - 2005

Game Awards Future

Game Awards Indies

  • Grand Prize AMIDA The Soldier on The Bridge
  • Award for Excellence ''Koi no Kaisatsu Kuchi''

Japan Game Awards 2006

A ceremony for the "Games of the Year" and "Indies" divisions was held on September 22, 2006 at the Tokyo Game Show event stage. The "Future" division awards were handed out on a separate ceremony on September 24, 2006. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2006.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Future Division

Indies Division

  • Grand Prize 5 Seconds of Kappa
  • Award for Excellence
  • *Moai's Nest
  • *Blowwind
  • *''Cell_Sparrow''

Japan Game Awards 2007

The main ceremony was held on September 20, 2007 at the Tokyo Game Show event stage. The "Games of the Year Division" awards were announced during that ceremony, while the ceremonies for the "Amateur Division" and "Future Division" awards were held on September 21 and September 23, 2007 respectively. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2007.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Sports">Wii Sports , and Monster Hunter Freedom 2

Future Division

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation Dynasty Warriors 6 Super Robot Wars OG Gaiden The Promise of Haruhi Suzumiya

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Battle Quest
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Shimensoka
  • * TRUE ENSEMBLE
  • * Punitto Clown
  • * LEAD BALL
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Phantom Thief HAYABUSA
  • * SUPER ASHIASHI
  • * Tumiki
  • * Hinan
  • * ''Yanemadetonda''

Japan Game Awards 2008

The awards for the "Games of the Year Division" were announced on October 9, 2008 at the Tokyo Game Show event stage. On that same day, the first-ever edition of the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award" was handed out. The "Amateur Division" winners were announced on October 11, 2008, and the "Future Division" ceremony was held on October 12, 2008. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2008. This edition saw the introduction of the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award", with Shigeru Miyamoto as its inaugural recipient.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Wii Fit , and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite

Future Division

The Idolmaster SP Perfect Sun / Wandering Star / Missing Moon Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth White Knight Chronicles Star Ocean: The Last Hope Dissidia Final Fantasy Dragon Quest IX Resident Evil 5 Monster Hunter Tri 428: Shibuya Scramble LittleBigPlanet Yakuza 3

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Variable Ball Crisis
  • Award for Excellence
  • * a void
  • * Variable Ball Crisis
  • * KAKIWAKE! Pon Pon Sweets
  • * Clim Load!!
  • * Sharp shooting
  • * POP
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * ETERNAL LOCUS
  • * Fate of Midnight Castle
  • * Catch de Poi
  • * ''PATAPATA PANEL PUZZLE NAMIPANE''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2009

The main ceremony was held on September 24, 2009 at the Tokyo Game Show event stage, including the handing out of the "Games of the Year Division" awards as well as the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award". The "Amateur Division" winners were announced on September 26, 2009, and the "Future Division" awards ceremony was held on September 27, 2009. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2009.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Mario Kart Wii , and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots

Future Division

Assassin's Creed II Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective Tales of Graces Dragon Quest VI Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn Final Fantasy XIII Bayonetta Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Yakuza 4 Professor Layton and the Last Specter

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize BAMBOONO
  • Award for Excellence
  • * I'm Qbe
  • * iDEARTh
  • * SHABON DE POM
  • * Magnet of a silence
  • * BAMBOONO
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * OH! naradeGO!
  • * GENETOS
  • * Flare in the Incubus
  • * Painting Wear
  • * ''HOSHIPOCHA''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2010

The "Games of the Year Division" awards and the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award" were handed out during a ceremony on September 16, 2010 at the Tokyo Game Show event stage. Separate ceremonies were held on September 18 and 19, 2010, in which the "Amateur Division" and "Future Division" awards, respectively, were announced. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2010.
A new "Game Designers Award" category was established, decided by a group of judges selected from the industry. The judges for the 2010 edition were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Hideki Kamiya, Masayoshi Kikuchi, Hifumi Kouno, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama, Jin Fujisawa and Shinji Mikami.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Future Division

The Idolmaster 2 Vanquish El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron Gran Turismo 5 Dance Masters Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn Final Fantasy XIV Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize SAND CRUSH
  • Award for Excellence
  • * GRAVIS
  • * SAND CRUSH
  • * Charlotte
  • * Blockle
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * EUROPA
  • * rhythmic gymnastics
  • * NEON
  • * FINGER BATTLEFIELD!
  • * ''Rem and the Magical Scarf''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2011

The "Games of the Year Division" awards and the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award" were handed out on September 15, 2011 at the Tokyo Game Show event stage. Separate ceremonies were held on September 17 and 18, 2011, for the "Amateur Division" and "Future Division" awards respectively. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2011.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Hideki Kamiya, Masayoshi Kikuchi, Hifumi Kouno, Masahiro Sakurai, Ryotaro Takahashi, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama, Jin Fujisawa and Shinji Mikami.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Monster Hunter Portable 3rd

Future Division

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize CONNECT
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Annihilate 6
  • * CONNECT
  • * Sound and Dark
  • * Pantomime
  • * BUTTON PANIC!
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Spinning Frame
  • * The hero who was here ran away
  • * Sonic Liner
  • * Hayabusa Return Project
  • * Pinch Ball
  • * ''Revolve''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2012

The main ceremony, in which the "Games of the Year Division" and "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry" awards were announced, was held on September 20, 2012 on the Tokyo Game Show event stage, with additional awards on September 22 and 23, 2012. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2012.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Koichi Kawamoto, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Jin Fujisawa and Shinji Mikami.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Gravity Rush

Future Division

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies God Eater 2 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle Soul Sacrifice Tales of Xillia 2 Resident Evil 6 Fantasy Life Bravely Default Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Monster Hunter 4

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Reco
  • Award for Excellence
  • * ELEDIVE
  • * Gentlemen's Theatre Close Call
  • * Sweep Order
  • * Paper World
  • * Reco
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * CUBE
  • * CLARTE
  • * BANG! BANG! BACHI Spirit
  • * LightJam
  • * Libretto
  • * ''Liber Liberi''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2013

The main ceremony, in which the "Games of the Year Division" and "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry" awards were announced, was held on September 19, 2013 on the Tokyo Game Show event stage, with additional awards on September 21 and 22, 2013. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2013.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Masahiro Sakurai, Ryutaro Takahashi, Shu Takumi, Jin Fujisawa and Shinji Mikami.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Future Division

The Legend of Heroes: Trials of Cold Steel Kingdom Hearts III God Eater 2 Sengoku Basara 4 Titanfall Deep Down Puzzle & Dragons Z Battlefield 4 Final Fantasy XV Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Toy Revo
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Re
  • * Toy Revo
  • * THREE
  • * TRANSFER
  • * Monochrome Route Creator
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Drawing Needle - 0.001 Mile Road
  • * Create & Climb
  • * CHAIN
  • * Line Slash
  • Special Award ''Food Practice Shooter''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2014

The main ceremony, in which the "Games of the Year Division" and "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry" awards were announced, was held on September 18, 2014 on the Tokyo Game Show event stage, with additional awards on September 20 and 21, 2014. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2014.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Masahiro Sakurai, Keiichiro Toyama and Hitoshi Fujisawa.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Monster Hunter 4, and Yo-kai Watch

Future Division

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II The Order: 1886 Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 Remix God Eater 2: Rage Burst The Evil Within Tales of Zestiria Phantasy Star Nova Bloodborne

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize FRAMING
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Moving Sensation
  • * STAPPY
  • * Digaris
  • * FRAMING
  • * LIFT
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Gobble
  • * Math Puzzle
  • * Mathematics and Shooting Stars
  • * TON
  • * Shy
  • * PluSpear
  • Individual Award ''Mathematics and Shooting Stars''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2015

The main ceremony, in which the "Games of the Year Division" and "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry" awards were announced, was held on September 17, 2015 on the Tokyo Game Show event stage, with additional awards on September 19 and 20, 2015. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2015.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama, Jin Fujisawa and Shinji Mikami.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Yo-kai Watch 2

Future Division

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice Star Wars Battlefront Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness Tokyo Xanadu Dragon Quest Builders The Last Guardian Final Fantasy XV Fallout 4 Persona 5

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize 10. Motion Theory
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Replacement
  • * Chase the Sun
  • * Tick Bomb
  • * TWINS
  • * 10. Motion Theory
  • * 4D FOLLOWERS
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * an After Image
  • * Chrono Bastille
  • * Time Bomb
  • * Hikagemono
  • Individual Award TWINS
  • Special Technology Award ''TWIDIVER''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2016

The main ceremony, in which the "Games of the Year Division" awards and the "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award" were handed out, took place on September 15, 2016 on the Tokyo Game Show event stage, with additional ceremonies on September 17, 2016 for the "Amateur Division" awards and September 18, 2016 for the "Future Division" awards. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2016.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Kazuyoshi Odaka, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama, Jin Fujisawa and Shinji Mikami.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Splatoon

Future Division

Gravity Rush 2 Summer Lesson: Miyamoto Hikari Seven Days Room Nioh Resident Evil 7: Biohazard The Last Guardian Final Fantasy XV Horizon Zero Dawn Megami Meguri Monster Hunter Stories

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Trail
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Elec Head
  • * Trail
  • * FACTORIAN
  • * FLOLF
  • * Milky Star Way
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * ELECT COLLECT
  • * Gossip Quest
  • * Ding Dong War
  • * FLOWer
  • * Flowing battle
  • Individual Award ''FLOLF''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

  • The Dragon Quest 30th Anniversary Team, represented by Yuji Horii, Dragon Quest series creator, and Ryutaro Ichimura, "Dragon Quest 30th Anniversary Project General Producer" at Square Enix.

Japan Game Awards 2017

The main ceremony was held on September 21, 2017, in which the "Games of the Year" and "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry" awards were announced at the Tokyo Game Show venue. On September 23, 2017 the "Amateur Division" awards were handed out, and on September 24, 2017 the "Future Division" awards were announced. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2017.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Kazutaka Kodaka, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama, Jin Fujisawa, Shinji Mikami and Hidetaka Miyazaki.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Future Division

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III Kyoei Toshi Dynasty Warriors 9 Dissidia Final Fantasy NT Detroit: Become Human Dragon Ball FighterZ Fire Emblem Warriors PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Monster Hunter: World

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Trace Paper
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Ultimate Selfie
  • * DOOR
  • * Trace Paper
  • * Pakuroll
  • * Pixmash
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Scrap Factory
  • * TWIN CANDLES
  • * Hasame Piyo-chan
  • * Pechantet
  • Individual Award ''Ultimate Selfie''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2018

The main ceremony was held on September 20, 2018 at the Tokyo Game Show venue, in which the "Games of the Year" and "Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry" awards were announced. On September 22, 2018 the "Amateur Division" awards were handed out, and on September 23, 2018 the "Future Division" awards were announced. Games eligible were those released in the Japanese fiscal year 2018. A new "U18 Division" was introduced in this edition, intended to award game creators under the age of 18.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Fumito Ueda, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Kazuyoshi Odaka, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama and Hidetaka Miyazaki.
The following categories were awarded:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Monster Hunter: World

Future Division

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Kingdom Hearts III Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 God Eater 3 Judgement Jump Force Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Devil May Cry 5 Dragon Quest Builders 2 Resident Evil 2 (Remake)

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Glalear
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Glalear
  • * Silhouette
  • * Trickle
  • * Projection
  • * PROJECTION REMAINS
  • * Mass Shift
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Reflection
  • * DarkRoad
  • * Destruction
  • * Take a photo!
  • * Near or Far
  • * ''Pettamp''

U18 Division

  • Gold Award Mochiage Girl
  • Silver Award Why does this have to happen to me?
  • Bronze Award ''THE REALITY''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2019

The 2019 edition was held on September 12, 14 and 15, 2019, during that year's Tokyo Game Show. Games eligible were those released during the Japanese fiscal year 2019.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Kazutaka Kodaka, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama and Hidetaka Miyazaki.
The following winners were announced:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Future Division

Cyberpunk 2077 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim New Sakura Wars Death Stranding Dragon Quest XI S Nioh 2 Final Fantasy VII Remake Resident Evil: Resistance Persona 5 Royal Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize ORBITS
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Overlay
  • * ORBITS
  • * GLOBE
  • * Steam engine mechanism
  • * Constellation Drop
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Asteroad
  • * Tsunagu Star Line
  • * PlutoMachina
  • * Star Pin
  • * ''☆Venture''

U18 Division

  • Gold Award Shuriken Jump
  • Silver Award Overturn
  • Bronze Award ''A Planet That Doesn't Know Morning''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition of both the Tokyo Game Show and the Japan Game Awards were carried out through online presentations. The award cerenomies were streamed on September 26 and 27, 2020. The "Future Division" awards were not presented in this edition due to the online nature of Tokyo Game Show 2020. For awarded categories, games eligible were those released during the Japanese fiscal year 2020.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Kazutaka Kodaka, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama, Hidetaka Miyazaki and Yoko Taro.
The following winners were announced:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize OVEROIL CRABMEAT
  • Award for Excellence
  • * OVEROIL CRABMEAT
  • * ShakaBomb
  • * bluem
  • * Path Geyser
  • * Radio's Great Escape
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Amazulu
  • * Water Carry
  • * Cravity
  • * Spratch
  • * Diver
  • * ''Volcanon''

U18 Division

  • Gold Award Rabi and Navi's Great Adventure
  • Silver Award void
  • Bronze Award The Tears and End of the Karakuri Girl and ''ROLL THE DICE''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 edition of both the Tokyo Game Show and the Japan Game Awards were carried out through online presentations. The award cerenomies were streamed on October 2 and 3, 2021. The "Future Division" awards were again not presented in this edition. Games eligible were those released during the Japanese fiscal year 2021.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Yojiro Ogawa, Hideki Kamiya, Kazutaka Kodaka, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama and Yoko Taro.
The following winners were announced:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Ghost of Tsushima and Monster Hunter Rise

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Uni Laboratory
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Uni Laboratory
  • * Orihime
  • * Shirokuro Connect
  • * Dungeon Inversion
  • * PARADOGS
  • * LUMINO La ruta naturaL
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Mirror Girl
  • * Confettia
  • * Tsukikage
  • * ''Reverse Room''

U18 Division

  • Gold Award Balloon Head
  • Silver Award Tuna Planet
  • Bronze Award ''AGARES''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2022

The 2022 edition was held on September 15, 17 and 18, 2022, during that year's Tokyo Game Show. Games eligible were those released during the Japanese fiscal year 2019.
The judges for this edition's "Game Designers Awards" were Kazutoshi Iida, Jiro Ishii, Hideki Kamiya, Kazutaka Kodaka, Masahiro Sakurai, Shu Takumi, Keiichiro Toyama and Yoko Taro.
The following winners were announced:

Games of the Year Division

Grand Prize Elden Ring

Future Division

A Space for the Unbound Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Exoprimal Street Fighter 6 Sonic Frontier Final Fantasy XVI Forspoken Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Amateur Division

  • Grand Prize Peeling off
  • Award for Excellence
  • * Gear clunk
  • * ZiParate
  • * Super Kobu Shidenaguruchan
  • * Peeling off
  • * Follow You
  • Honorable Mentions
  • * Alice in WindowLand
  • * Thunder Roar
  • * DragKnockFight
  • * HOW TO DIE.
  • * ''Procyon''

U18 Division

  • Gold Award Large Warehouse Company
  • Silver Award
  • Bronze Award Slime
  • Collaboration Platform Award ''Impulse Ball''

Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award

Japan Game Awards 2023

Period: April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.

Japan Game Awards 2024

Period: April 1, 2023 - March 31, 2024.

Japan Game Awards 2025

Period: April 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025.