TOKYO – Kako Kuwahara has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Nippon Television Music Corporation, the music publishing arm of Japan’s multi-platform entertainment giant, Nippon TV. The strategic appointment, effective immediately, signals a focused drive toward expanding the global presence of Japanese music and character intellectual properties (IPs), particularly those tied to the thriving anime industry.
Kuwahara succeeds Akihiro Shimizu, who will transition to lead Tipness Co. Ltd., another subsidiary within the Nippon Television Holdings group that specializes in fitness club operations across Japan. Kuwahara will report to Keiichi Sawa, Senior Operating Officer at Nippon TV Holdings.
A Seasoned Leader for Global Expansion
Kako Kuwahara brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in international business and anime. Prior to this promotion, she held significant roles as the Head of International Business and Head of Anime Business at Nippon TV. Her contributions were instrumental in the global success of major anime titles, including “The Apothecary Diaries” and “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” significantly bolstering Nippon TV’s footprint in the international anime market. In 2020, she was notably appointed as the first Executive Vice President of Nippon TV’s newly established Anime Department, a testament to her vision and expertise in the sector. Her previous career also includes successful stints in Nippon TV’s Production, Public Relations, Sales, and Pay TV divisions, where she was involved in various initiatives, including bringing K-pop content to Hulu Japan.
In her new role, Kuwahara is tasked with strengthening Nippon TV Music’s presence in the global market, a mission she has publicly embraced. She expressed her ambition to further elevate the company’s presence through music produced for Nippon TV’s hit shows. Kuwahara stated her aspiration to collaborate with Japan’s talented music creators to produce music and characters that resonate with audiences worldwide, encompassing anime, films, drama series, and variety shows.
Nippon TV Music: A Pillar of Japanese Entertainment
Established in 1969, Nippon Television Music Corporation is headquartered in Tokyo and plays a crucial role in promoting the global reach of music and character IPs associated with Nippon TV. As a music publisher within the Nippon TV Group, the company operates in two primary areas: the music business and the character business.
Core Business Areas
- Music Business: This segment involves the coordination of theme songs and background scores for a wide array of Nippon TV programs, including globally recognized anime titles such as “Death Note,” “Hunter x Hunter,” “The Apothecary Diaries,” and “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”. Nippon TV Music also handles master recording production, copyright management, and actively supports the development of emerging artists and creators.
- Character Business: Beyond music, the company oversees international merchandising and game adaptations for significant IPs, including “Hunter x Hunter,” the beloved children’s franchise “Anpanman,” and “Lupin the Third”.
Nippon TV Music collaborates with sub-publishers globally to ensure the widespread distribution and impact of its musical works and character IPs. The company’s commitment lies in delivering the essence and spirit of its works to fans both in Japan and internationally through high-quality products and services.
The Broader Context of Nippon TV Holdings
Nippon Television Holdings, Inc., the parent company, is a leading multi-platform entertainment powerhouse in Japan. It was established in 1952 as the first commercial TV station in Japan and has a rich history of innovation, including being the first to commence commercial broadcasting and color TV broadcasting. The conglomerate has diversified significantly over the decades, with subsidiaries spanning various sectors.
Nippon Television Holdings transitioned to a certified broadcasting holding company structure in 2012 and has continued to expand its global reach through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, such as acquiring Hulu’s operations in Japan in 2014. The group’s portfolio of companies reflects its comprehensive approach to entertainment, encompassing terrestrial broadcasting, content production, events, technology, digital media, and even fitness clubs through Tipness Co. Ltd.
Kuwahara’s appointment is consistent with Nippon TV’s overarching strategy to leverage its strong content library, particularly its internationally popular anime, and expand its global revenue streams. With music being an integral part of the anime experience, her leadership at Nippon TV Music is poised to unlock new opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and market penetration.
