Universal Music Japan has acquired a majority stake in A-Sketch, a leading Japanese music company, enhancing its artist management capabilities and global outreach.

Information on the Target

Universal Music Japan (UMJ), a subsidiary of Universal Music Group (UMG), has acquired a majority stake in A-Sketch, a prominent Japanese music company that specializes in artist management and record production. Established in 2008 as a joint venture between Amuse Inc. and KDDI Corporation, A-Sketch has cultivated a reputation for nurturing a diverse range of artists across various genres, including rock, J-pop, and anime music. The label is home to several well-known Japanese artists, such as Saucy Dog, Flumpool, and Ayumu Imazu, and holds a catalog that includes landmark releases from ONE OK ROCK.

A-Sketch operates MASH A&R, recognized as one of Japan's leading rock management firms, overseeing talents like The Oral Cigarettes and FREDERIC. Following this acquisition, A-Sketch will continue to function as a label division within Universal Music Japan, maintaining its distinctive identity while leveraging UMJ's global infrastructure.

Industry Overview in Japan

The Japanese music industry is known for its eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary music, with a vibrant market that includes a vast array of genres such as J-pop, rock, and, increasingly, di