aespa has reaffirmed its status as a global hitmaker with a series of award wins in Japan.
On Wednesday, aespa attended the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2025 (VMAJ) at Yokohama’s K Arena, where they secured four major awards and delivered a show-stopping performance that mesmerized local fans.
The group dominated the ceremony, taking home four trophies, including the prestigious Artist of the Year award. They also clinched Best Group Video (International) for “Whiplash,” the title track from their fifth mini-album, while their debut full-length album’s double title tracks, “Supernova” and “Armageddon,” earned them Best Dance Video and Best K-POP Video, respectively. This groundbreaking achievement makes aespa the first female act in VMAJ history to claim four titles in a single edition.
Expressing their gratitude, aespa said, “We’re incredibly happy that our music has reached so many people, and we sincerely thank our Japanese MYs for their unwavering support.” Following their acceptance speeches, the group electrified the stage with a dynamic performance of “Whiplash,” leaving the audience in awe.
This triumph follows aespa’s recent double win at the 39th Japan Gold Disc Awards, where they were honored as New Artist of the Year and one of the Best 3 New Artists. Their latest VMAJ triumphs further cement their global influence and skyrocketing popularity in the international music scene.
Since their official debut in Japan on July 3 last year with the single “Hot Mess,” aespa has been making waves in the country. They have successfully completed two arena tours and made history as the first international female act to perform at the Tokyo Dome for two consecutive years, with both shows selling out entirely.
Looking ahead, aespa is set to take the stage at Summer Sonic 2025 in Tokyo this August, joining the lineup of one of Japan’s biggest urban music festivals, which draws over 200,000 attendees annually.