Independent music distribution and artist and label services company The Orchard has announced today (August 21) that it is expanding into Japan, the second largest music market in the world.
The Orchard Japan team will be led by Yuuki Kaneko, Vice President, Japan and report into The Orchard’s global headquarters in New York.
Kaneko comes to The Orchard from Amazon Japan where he worked on the music team during his 11-year tenure.
Previously, Kaneko also held positions at Tower Records Japan.
The Orchard Japan will offer music distribution and a suite of services to Japanese labels, management companies and artists, giving them access to both local and global opportunities.
It also will provide international independent repertoire, extensive digital and physical service offerings for access to the Japanese music market.
Creators will have direct access to The Orchard’s technology platform, which offers 11 languages in addition to the local Japanese language and houses marketing, data and reporting tools to manage digital and physical assets.
The Orchard team in Tokyo will provide regional expertise and language capabilities to sign and develop Japanese artists and labels, as well as build artist awareness and engagement both locally and internationally.
The Orchard has added over five offices in key global markets during the past year, expanding its global network to more than 40 offices.
In addition to Tokyo, new locations include Taipei, Seoul, Warsaw, Madrid and beyond, as well as expanded offices in Nashville, Sydney, Moscow, Copenhagen, Milan and Barcelona.
“We are excited to enter the Japanese market and have Yuuki and the Tokyo team working with independent labels and artists to embrace the opportunities offered by Japan’s ongoing shift to streaming.”
Brad Navin, The Orchard
Brad Navin, CEO of The Orchard, said: “We are excited to enter the Japanese market and have Yuuki and the Tokyo team working with independent labels and artists to embrace the opportunities offered by Japan’s ongoing shift to streaming.
“Yuuki’s substantial knowledge of both the digital and physical business within Japan will help us deliver on our goal of having local support in every key part of the world, led by people who have a firm grasp on the region’s strengths and deeply understand the music culture and industry.
“This expansion gives even greater reach to our global market solution for discovering music, reaching untapped audiences and advancing consumption.”
“I am honored to lead the company’s efforts in showcasing Japanese artists and labels worldwide.”
Yuuki Kaneko
Kaneko added: “I am honored to lead the company’s efforts in showcasing Japanese artists and labels worldwide.
“The Orchard Japan is in a position to bring the Japanese music community to new heights on a global scale, using transparent analytics from our proprietary technology to grow and develop The Orchard’s international roster within the territory.”
