"TikTok First Half Trend Award 2026" Grand Prize Awarded to MONAKI! Forming a Cross-Generational Community. Hit Item Division Awarded to Matsuya Online Shop, Impact Song Division to "Yoru no Odoriko"/Sakanaction

The short-form video platform "TikTok" held the "TikTok First Half Trend Award 2026" awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, announcing the Grand Prize and awards for each division.

First Summer Uika appeared as a special guest and presenter at the awards ceremony. In a talk session held prior to the award announcements, "Squeeze" was introduced as First Summer Uika's "First Half of 2026 Trend," drawing attention from the audience.

The Grand Prize winner of the "TikTok First Half Trend Award 2026" was MONAKI (@monaki__official), produced by Kazuyoshi Sakai, leader of Junretsu, and made their major debut on April 8, 2026. A preview video of the chorus of their debut song "Honma Yade☆Nandeyanen☆Shiran kedo" became explosively popular on TikTok, surpassing 700 million views before their debut. The artists themselves continued to create trends, forming a cross-generational community through TikTok. They were recognized for best embodying the concept of the awards ceremony, "New culture begins from this trend," and won the Grand Prize.

After receiving the Grand Prize plaque, a congratulatory video message from Kazuyoshi Sakai, leader of Junretsu, was shown, filling the venue with a celebratory atmosphere. MONAKI then gave a live performance of their debut song "Honma Yade☆Nandeyanen☆Shiran kedo," greatly exciting the audience.

Following this, Kenji Tada of COWCOW, dressed in yellow, made a surprise appearance! The members were surprised and delighted to receive direct congratulations from Tada Kenji and his partner Yoshi, who had been talked about for resembling Oyone, and cheered. At COWCOW's suggestion, a TikTok collaboration filming of the chorus of "Honma Yade☆Nandeyanen☆Shiran kedo" was held, realizing a dream collaboration. Furthermore, First Summer Uika, who served as the special guest and presenter, also joined for a talk session with MONAKI and COWCOW. The venue was filled with smiles as they looked back on the surprise企画.

Collaboration TikTok video by MONAKI and COWCOW filmed live on stage:

https://www.tiktok.com/@cowcowofficial/video/7657130324203162898

In the Innovator Division, newly established this year, Tofu-ya (@takeuchi_tofu_ageage) received an award. They were recognized for delivering short videos from the front lines of tofu production, which has supported Japanese dining tables, and for presenting the challenges of traditional industries and the dignity of work as a "visual documentary." The award was decided based on their creation of a new trend in transmitting traditional industries to the new generation by shedding light on structural issues in the industry through TikTok.

In the Impact Song Division, "Yoru no Odoriko" by Sakanaction (@sakanaction_jp) won. Ichiro Yamaguchi of Sakanaction appeared via video message and commented with joy, "I never imagined that a song released 14 years ago would lead to a situation where we could receive such an award."

"Yoru no Odoriko" became a trend, primarily on TikTok, by combining the song with footage of Indonesia's traditional boat race, "Patu Jallur." The song, released 14 years ago, became an exceptional hit, climbing to the top of streaming charts, and by May 2026, its total TikTok views surpassed 1.1 billion. It was recognized as a symbolic case that created a trend transcending generations and borders.

The Music Division award went to M!LK (@milk_official). Their song "Suki Sugite Metsu!" generated a chain of posts due to its memorable lyrics and catchy choreography that anyone could imitate, topping the TikTok Music Chart for nine consecutive weeks. By May 2026, total TikTok views exceeded 3.6 billion. Furthermore, their song "Bakuretsu Aishiteru," with its straightforward title and powerful performance, also sparked a chain of choreography posts, developing into a cross-border trend with even top international TikTok artists posting choreography videos. They were highly praised for establishing the "co-creation trend" formula where artists themselves involve TikTok users.

Although they were unfortunately unable to attend the awards ceremony, the members sent a message of joy, saying, "We are so happy we could cry 'Metsu'!"

In the Entertainment Division, "Cho Kaguya-hime!" Official (@cho_kaguyahime_pr) received an award. Videos featuring choreography to songs from the play, fan-made videos using the music, character illustrations and cosplay, and memorable scenes were created daily on TikTok. They were recognized for demonstrating a new model where the work and fans together expand ways to enjoy the work, starting from TikTok. A video message of joy, fitting for Kaguya, was also received from the protagonist Kaguya, filling the venue with a warm atmosphere.

The Hit Item Division award went to [Official] Matsuya Online Shop (@matsuya_online). Utilizing TikTok Shop, which launched in Japan in June 2025, they transformed the appeal of their products into an experience of "seeing it and wanting it immediately" by combining short videos and LIVE streaming, which became a topic of conversation. They received this award for building a new hit model of "Food x Entertainment x Commerce."

The Breakthrough Division award was given to TikTok LIVE creator Jinja Ayu (@a.jinja). She streams LIVE every morning from 5 AM, sharing home cooking recipes that anyone can make deliciously with common ingredients, as a chef and mother of five. Her warm content, featuring the real daily lives of her family, garnered support. She also participated in the "TikTok LIVE Global Awards Ceremony," the largest global awards event honoring top creators worldwide, held in Las Vegas in February of this year, and was recognized as a new model for LIVE creators.

In addition to the division awards, a Special Award was also announced. Recently, "educational content" has been gaining attention across a wide range of age groups on TikTok. Genki Ichioka (@genki_labo) received the Special Award for his achievements in popularizing the fun of science within the TikTok community by utilizing his knowledge as a science artist with a teaching license, such as "What happens when you put slime in a vacuum chamber?" This has rooted a "science for adults to learn" culture on TikTok. After receiving the plaque, he performed a chemical experiment with presenter First Summer Uika on stage, mixing liquids that glowed orange, expressing surprise and experiencing science that adults can enjoy learning.

Furthermore, [Official] Hiroshima Prefecture (@hiroshima_pref), which has continued to deliver policies to young people and a wide range of other demographics through short dramas and creator videos, also received a Special Award. They were recognized for their consistency and editing skills in developing prefectural government communication utilizing TikTok's unique "short-form content that shows personality," transforming administrative outreach into "content that people want to keep watching."

Overview of "TikTok First Half Trend Award 2026"

"TikTok First Half Trend Award" is an initiative that TikTok has been holding since 2020, marking its 6th year. It recognizes hashtags, keywords, music, gourmet food, entertainment including movies and anime, hit items, and creators that became popular on TikTok in the first half of the year, based on comprehensive judgment using in-app data and other factors.

At the "TikTok First Half Trend Award 2026" awards ceremony, under the concept of "New culture begins from this trend," artists, creators, and items that influenced people's actions, conversations, and consumption, not just momentary excitement, in the first half of 2026 were selected and awarded as trends symbolizing the first half of 2026.

List of Winners of "TikTok First Half Trend Award 2026" (Listed in order of award, excluding Grand Prize)

Introducing the winners of each division award and their comments.

【Grand Prize: MONAKI (@monaki__official)】

Presenter: MONAKI

Winner's Comment:

We are deeply honored to receive the TikTok First Half Trend Award.

Through our song "Honma Yade☆Nandeyanen☆Shiran kedo," MONAKI has had the opportunity to connect with many people. What makes us particularly happy is that many people from different generations and genres have freely participated, creating new forms of communication. It's not just about listening to music; it's about dancing, imitating, posting, and spreading to others. This chain reaction is the charm of TikTok, and we believe it's the reason we were recognized this time.

MONAKI will continue to aim for entertainment that is loved across generations and boundaries, delivering more smiles and energy to everyone.

Thank you very much!

【Innovator Division Award: Tofu-ya (@takeuchi_tofu_ageage)】

Presenter: Tofu-ya

Presenter: Tofu-ya

Winner's Comment:

Thank you very much for this wonderful award.

Just a few years ago, I was just a small tofu shop in town, nobody special. But I am truly happy that so many people have come to know us and are eating our tofu and fried tofu. This award is thanks to everyone who has always supported us. We are filled with gratitude. Thank you very much. We will continue to work hard to let more people know about the appeal of tofu and fried tofu through our videos and to pique their interest! We look forward to your continued support! Thank you all very much!

【Breakthrough Division Award: Jinja Ayu (@a.jinja)】

Presenter: Jinja Ayu

Winner's Comment:

Thank you very much for this wonderful award, the Breakthrough Division Award of the "TikTok First Half Trend Award 2026."

The reason I can continue streaming is because my listeners (viewers) always convey their warm words and feelings. The realization that "I am helping someone" gives me great confidence and is my daily driving force.

I haven't walked this path alone; it's a precious place we've built together, and I want to connect it to the next stage and make it even bigger.

Taking this award as a "new starting line," I will now push forward towards the many things I want to do.

I believe that if I continue to cherish and pursue this activity, dreams will become achievable realities, not just aspirations. I hope to continue delivering exciting challenges and valuable content through my own unique streaming style. Thank you very much for this occasion.

【Hit Item Division Award: [Official] Matsuya Online Shop (@matsuya_online)】

Presenter: Kei Kanda, Manager, Sales Group, Strategic Business Department

Winner's Comment:

In line with our company's cherished belief of "being everyone's dining table," many creators have become bridges, delivering Matsuya's products to dining tables across the country in the realm of digital commerce. We are very pleased to have established new points of contact with many customers through such deep collaboration with creators and strategic initiatives.

We will continue to strive to deliver the appeal of safe, secure, and delicious food through approaches that are in line with the times.

【Music Division Award: M!LK (@milk_official)】

Winner's Comment:

We are so happy we could cry "Metsu."

Thank you very much.

"Metsu" was also a suggestion to replace the youth slang "Shinu!" (I'm going to die!) when saying "I love you so much." Therefore, the fact that you all danced so much to this song and used "Metsu" is the most joyful thing for us.

We believe we are where we are today thanks to short videos, including TikTok, and everyone who posts them. We will continue to post in our own style, and we would be happy if you would watch them, even if they are silly.

Once again, we are grateful to receive such an award.

【Entertainment Division Award: "Cho Kaguya-hime!" Official (@cho_kaguyahime_pr)】

Presenter: Kenji Nagasaka, Producer, Twin Engine

Winner's Comment:

Thank you very much for the "TikTok First Half Trend Award 2026" Entertainment Division Award! We are filled with gratitude for everyone enjoying the work and its related music in various forms, such as "Sing it," "Dance it," and cosplay! We are wholeheartedly preparing for the revival screening with an added special format starting September 18th, the Tsukuyomi Thanksgiving event in December, and various developments beyond that, so we kindly ask for your continued support for "Cho Kaguya-hime!"

【Impact Song Division Award: "Yoru no Odoriko" / Sakanaction (@sakanaction_jp)】

Presenter: Tatsuya Nomura, President, Hip Land Music Corporation Inc.

Winner's Comment:

I never imagined that a song released 14 years ago would lead to a situation where we could receive such an award.

We will continue to face our music with sincerity so that more people can listen to our songs.

Ichiro Yamaguchi (Sakanaction)

【Special Award: Genki Ichioka (@genki_labo)】

Presenter: Genki Ichioka

Winner's Comment:

I am deeply honored to receive such a wonderful award.

My activities are based on the theme "Energizing Japan's Future with the Power of Science!" with the desire to increase the number of future researchers and engineers. I also strive to create content that allows not only children but also adults to enjoy science. In a survey of high school students last year, more than half thought that "science is unnecessary after graduation." However, in reality, our surroundings are filled with science and technology. Through TikTok, I hope to let as many people as possible know the fun and familiarity of science, and to continue enjoying science even after they become adults. I would be happy if they could then pass on that enjoyment to the next generation. I will continue to disseminate the appeal of science and engage in activities to energize Japan's future.

【Special Award: [Official] Hiroshima Prefecture (@hiroshima_pref)】

Mika Yokota, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture

Presenter: Sayaka Shimizu, Public Relations Manager, Hiroshima Prefecture

Winner's Comment:

Thank you very much for selecting us for this wonderful award.

Since Governor Yokota took office last November, Hiroshima Prefecture has been focusing on video-based public relations through TikTok and SNS to convey the prefecture's charm to many people, including young people. Immediately after taking office, we actively disseminated information about Hiroshima Prefecture through the governor's daily official duties under the title "Governor's First 100 Days." We are very pleased that this has led to this award. We will continue to produce and distribute attractive videos, so please take a look.

Thank you very much for this occasion.

【About TikTok】

TikTok is a short-form video platform for mobile. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, with global offices in countries and regions including New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.