Tokyo, Japan – Kako Kuwahara has been appointed the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Nippon Television Music Corporation, a pivotal move set to bolster the company’s global footprint in the entertainment industry. The appointment, effective July 14, 2025, sees Kuwahara stepping into a role critical for expanding the international reach of Japanese music and intellectual properties (IPs) associated with Nippon TV’s popular content.
Kuwahara succeeds Akihiro Shimizu, who has transitioned to the role of President at Tipness Co. Ltd., another subsidiary within the Nippon Television Holdings group, which operates fitness clubs across Japan. This leadership change underscores Nippon TV’s strategic realignment to capitalize on the burgeoning global demand for Japanese entertainment.
A Proven Leader for Global Growth
Kako Kuwahara brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record to her new leadership position. Prior to this appointment, she served as the Head of International Business and Head of Anime Business at Nippon TV, where she played an instrumental role in the global success of several high-profile anime titles. Her strategic vision helped launch internationally acclaimed series such as “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” and “The Apothecary Diaries,” significantly enhancing Nippon TV’s presence in the global anime market.
Her career at Nippon TV extends beyond anime and international business, having contributed to the Production, Public Relations, Sales, and Pay TV divisions. This broad experience positions her uniquely to understand the intricate dynamics of content creation, distribution, and monetization across diverse platforms. She was previously promoted to Managing Director for the International Business Development (IBD) division in 2017, where she was tasked with strengthening Nippon TV’s international footprint. Notably, she was involved in bringing K-pop content, specifically from TOHOSHINKI, to Hulu Japan and other Nippon TV pay TV platforms, which reportedly led to a record high in new subscribers.
Nippon TV Music: A Hub for Global IPs
Established in 1969 and headquartered in Tokyo, Nippon Television Music Corporation operates as the music publishing arm of Japan’s leading multi-platform entertainment giant, Nippon TV. The company is vital in promoting the global reach of music and character IPs originating from Nippon TV’s extensive library.
Nippon TV Music’s purview encompasses a wide range of musical works, including background scores, theme songs, and soundtracks for globally recognized anime series such as “Death Note,” “Hunter x Hunter,” “The Apothecary Diaries,” and “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”. Beyond music production and copyright management, the division is also responsible for international merchandising and game adaptations for major franchises, including “Hunter x Hunter” and the beloved children’s series “Anpanman”.
Under Kuwahara’s leadership, Nippon TV Music aims to further strengthen its global market presence. She will report directly to Keiichi Sawa, Senior Operating Officer at Nippon Television Holdings.
A Strategic Mandate for Worldwide Resonance
Kuwahara’s appointment aligns with Nippon TV’s broader corporate strategy to accelerate its global expansion. The parent company has articulated ambitious goals to transform into a global content powerhouse, aiming for substantial increases in overseas sales in the coming years, targeting JPY 100 billion by fiscal year 2033.
In her statement regarding the new role, Kuwahara emphasized the company’s commitment to elevating its presence through music derived from Nippon TV’s successful shows. “While Nippon TV is already a global powerhouse in Japanese entertainment, we at Nippon TV Music aim to further elevate our presence through music produced by us on Nippon TV’s hit shows,” Kuwahara stated. She further articulated a vision to collaborate with Japan’s talented music creators across various content genres—including anime, films, drama series, and variety shows—to “create music and characters that resonate with audiences worldwide”.
This strategic direction highlights the increasing importance of music as a vehicle for cultural export and IP development in the global entertainment landscape. By leveraging the immense popularity of its anime and other programming, Nippon TV Music, under Kuwahara’s experienced guidance, is poised to unlock new avenues for growth and solidify its position as a key player in the international entertainment market. The focus on integrated IP development, from upstream creation to downstream exploitation through merchandising and gaming, reflects a comprehensive approach to maximizing content value on a global scale.
