Well, at the very least, at least it's not a populist list
Five of the nominees are not familiar because four sing enka and one is indie rock. I'm just glad traditional Japanese music is still being nominated!
And at least the grand prize winner is rarely a questionable choice. Last year it was Kobukuro. The year before that Kiyoshi Hikawa. Then Kumi Koda, Mr. Children, three years of Ayu, Southern All Stars, Glay, globe, two years of Namie Amuro, Mr. Children again, etc. All fine choices!
Kobukuro should have been nominated this year even though they won last year. I think the reason Mr. Children hasn't been nominated in the past few years is because they already won twice.