The NPO Japan Nailist Association (Abbreviation: JNA, Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Sachiko Nakasone) will begin general voting from July 1, 2026 (Wed) to select candidates for the "Nail of the Year" award, which honors celebrities who deeply love nails and convey their wonderfulness. Voting will continue until July 31, 2026 (Fri).

Scene from the 2025 "Nail of the Year" Awards Ceremony

The "Nail of the Year" (formerly "Nail Queen") awards, which began in 1996, honor celebrities from various fields who deeply love nails and convey their wonderfulness, attracting much attention each year. This year, the 31st event, the awards ceremony is scheduled to be held at "Tokyo Nail Expo 2026" (Date: November 22, 2026 (Sun) & November 23, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) Venue: Tokyo Big Sight West Hall 1 & 2 + Atrium).

Last year, based on the results of general voting and votes from professional nailists (JNA Certified Instructors), JNA Certified Schools, JNA Certified Nail Salons, Support Nail Salons, etc., Tomohiro Kamiyama (WEST.) was selected for the second consecutive year, along with Takashii Matsuo (Bullet Train Takashi), MOMOKA (HANA), Lily (Mitorizu), and Chieko Baisho (appeared via VTR at the awards ceremony). Additionally, Akiko Shandong received a special award, and the awards ceremony was held.

This year again, your passionate votes will determine the 2026 "Nail of the Year," and the awards ceremony will be held at the "Tokyo Nail Expo 2026" venue. Furthermore, 50 lucky voters will receive wonderful prizes. Due to popular demand, the number of winners has been significantly increased from last year's 10. We have prepared luxurious prizes including "Special Reserved Seating for the Nail of the Year Awards Ceremony (for two)," "Nail Treatment Voucher by a Top Nailist," and "Nail Goods such as Mag Gel and Color Gels (worth approximately \10,000)." Please nominate the person you believe has "conveyed the wonderfulness of nails the most this year."

About Nail of the Year General Voting

Voting Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) - July 31, 2026 (Fri) 23:59

How to Vote: https://jna-nailoftheyear.com/ip

※ One vote per person.

※ Voting information is also available from JNA Certified Schools, JNA Certified Nail Salons, Support Nail Salons, and JNA Corporate Member Companies nationwide.

(JNA Certified Schools https://www.nail.or.jp/nintei/list/index.html)

(JNA Certified Nail Salons https://www.nail.or.jp/nintei/salon/salon.html)

(Support Nail Salons https://www.nail.or.jp/information/support_nailsalon/index.html)

Voter Prizes:

A total of 50 winners will be selected by lottery from among voters to receive prizes, with a choice of one from the following three options:

1. Special Reserved Seating for the Nail of the Year Awards Ceremony (for two) - 5 winners

2. Nail Treatment Voucher by a Top Nailist - 5 winners

3. Nail Goods such as Mag Gel and Color Gels (worth approximately \10,000) - 40 winners

※ Prize details are subject to change.

※ Transfer, resale, or exchange for cash is prohibited.

※ Prize 1 includes admission to Tokyo Nail Expo 2026. Please note that this does not guarantee the award of the nominated celebrity.

Nail of the Year Voting QR Code

What is Nail of the Year:

An award that honors celebrities who deeply love nails and convey their wonderfulness. It has been held as a highlight event of Tokyo Nail Expo since 1996. (※ Name changed from Nail Queen in 2023).

Tokyo Nail Expo 2026 Event Outline

This is one of the world's largest nail events. In addition to a traditional nail competition that has continued for over 30 years, it is a major event that brings together everything related to nails, including the "Nail of the Year Awards Ceremony" honoring celebrities who convey the wonderfulness of nails, a "Nail New Product and Latest Information Trade Show," and various stage events and seminars.

Tokyo Nail Expo 2026

Date & Time

November 22, 2026 (Sun) 10:00 - 18:30

November 23, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) 10:00 - 18:00

※ Early entry for JNA Individual Members from 9:45 on both days.

Venue

Tokyo Big Sight West Hall 1 & 2 + Atrium

Organizer

NPO Japan Nailist Association https://www.nail.or.jp/

Supporters

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan Tourism Agency, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (planned/including applications in progress)

Admission Fee

General ¥2,200 / Students of JNA Certified Schools ¥550 / JNA Individual Members Free Invitation (tax included/per day)

※ Event details are subject to change without notice. Please understand this in advance.

About NPO Japan Nailist Association

Established in 1985 with the aim of developing a healthy nail industry in Japan.

Through qualification and certification programs related to nails, and the execution of the world's largest nail event "Tokyo Nail Expo," we strive to promote nails and improve the skills and status of nailists.

Official Website: https://www.nail.or.jp/

Official Instagram: @jna_official

Official Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jna_official

Official X: https://x.com/jna_nail

Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jna__official

Nail TV: https://nail-tv.jp/

Official LINE: Scan the QR code on the right to add us as a LINE friend.

NPO Japan Nailist Association Official LINE

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event
  • Organizations: WEST. / HANA