The final judging session for the 66th The Japan Record Awards(sponsored by the Japan Composer's Association) was held on December 30th at the New National Theatre (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo), and from among the 10 works that received the Excellence Award, the popular three-piece band Mrs. Green Apple's song "Lilac" was awarded the Grand Prize. The band also won the Grand Prize last year with "Que Sera Sera," making this their second consecutive win. This is the first time a band has won the Record Awards.
Vocalist and guitarist Motoki Omori commented with emotion, "This year was another year where I learned a lot, so I'm really full of emotion." This year, the band released new songs five months in a row, which became a hot topic, but he reflected, "It was a year where I was asked to evolve as a writer. It was a really meaningful year, and I was supported by the members and staff, so it was a fun year!" Before the encore performance, they shouted "Record Awards!" and exploded with joy.
Mrs. Green Apple was formed in 2013 and made their major debut in 2015. Despite producing hits such as "Inferno" and "Ao to Natsu," they announced a hiatus in 2020. After a hiatus of about one year and eight months, the group has regrouped with its current lineup. They will also be appearing on the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen(general and other channels) on New Year's Eve.
This year's Record Awards were broadcast live on the TBS network as usual. Continuing from last year, actress Haruna Kawaguchi and TBS announcer Shinichiro Azumi served as the hosts.
◇ "66th Shining! The Japan Record Awards" Excellence Award (song titles in alphabetical order, titles omitted)
▽Da-iCE "I wonder"▽Omoinotake "Billions of Light Years"▽NewJeans "Supernatural"▽FRUITS ZIPPER "NEW KAWAII"▽Creepy Nuts "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born"▽BE:FIRST "Masterplan"▽Junretsu "Yumemita Kajitsu"▽ Mrs. Green Apple "Lilac" ▽JO1 "Love seeker"
