TOKYO —

Pop group Exile took out the top prize for their first time at the 50th Japan Record Awards held in Shibuya on Tuesday night, for their single “The Birthday - Ti Amo.” Exile won an award at the Japan Record Awards last year and won another for their single with Kumi Koda “Won’t Be Long” in 2006, but this was the first time they were able to take out the top prize at the awards held by the Japan Composers’ Association.

With this, Exile took their tally of awards for 2008 up to a massive 15. Some of the awards they won earlier in the year include the three they won at the 41st Japan Cable Radio Awards, and three at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

Exile released three “Best of” albums this year, selling more than four million copies, in what they labeled “the perfect year.” Their performances at packed venues nationwide throughout the year will culminate with a show at Sapporo Dome on Wednesday night.

The group looked delighted to win and bowed to the crowd as they stepped up to the stage to accept the award. Group leader Hiro, 39, said: “I’m really happy and honored by this prize. It’s been a long journey made possible by a lot of people along the way. We won’t forget where we came from.” Vocalist Atsushi, 28, said: “I’ve watched this show since I was a kid, and dreamt of accepting this prize on stage. I’ll do my best to live up to this award next year.”

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5 Comments

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  boboh at 04:00 PM JST - 31st December

  Who? Wow, they must be prestigious awards!!!

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  BlackFlag at 08:05 PM JST - 31st December

  they released 3 best of complilations in 2005. 3 more in 2008. they started in 2001. hahahahaha, but I'm sure they are in it for the music

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  Bogi at 10:08 AM JST - 1st January

  I like a lot of J-music but this group is terrible. They can't sing and there is musically nothing original about them at all. Most of their melodies, phrases and chord progressions are rip offs of American R&B from the last 10 years. As someone who appreciates good music, no matter what the genre, there is nothing more painful than listening to someone sing out of tune.

  I will, however, admit they have done a great job of milking a market that is willing to pay money for crap.

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  Nessie at 12:02 PM JST - 1st January

  Their performances at packed venues nationwide throughout the year will culminate with a show at Sapporo Dome on Wednesday night.

  And Aerosmith can only pull tepid attendance at the same venue. No justice in this world.

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  bamboohat at 02:39 PM JST - 2nd January

  I thought they were some sort of metal band based on the name. I checked ut ti amo on youtube, and boy howdy these guys are gay.

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