For decades, Japan has been a powerhouse of cultural exports, with anime and music resonating with global audiences. Anime music, the soundtrack for generations, is woven into the fabric of global music culture and inspires artists across diverse genres. Iconic anime soundtracks and theme songs have found their way into playlists and created a unique cultural phenomenon that transcends borders – and there is a growing audience for Japanese music beyond Japan’s core fan base. anime.

This wave of influence can be attributed to Pony Canyon, the entertainment company known for its creative expertise in anime and music. Pony Canyon is now aiming for global expansion beyond the anime. As it ventures into new markets, the company, known for its long history as a music label, promises to reshape music and entertainment with an intriguing blend of anime and various other genres of culture pop.

Synergy in music and anime

Pony Canyon’s advantage lies in its exceptional synergy between anime and music – a creative passion deeply rooted in the company’s DNA. Pony Canyon seamlessly integrates anime and music to create a unique cultural crossover that appeals to global audiences, especially young people who appreciate diverse and innovative artistic expression.

Pony Canyon’s ability to harmonize music and anime comes from a place of collaboration. “Our approach has always been to blend these two art forms to create something extraordinary,” explains company president Takashi Yoshimura.

Pony Canyon has had success with several animated series. “Attack on Titan” has recently captivated audiences around the world with its intense storyline and stunning visuals. SiM’s “The Rumbling”, used as the opening theme of the last season, broke into international music charts. The worldwide success of “Attack on Titan” proves Pony Canyon executives’ belief that the combination of a great story and music can transcend language barriers.

Another Pony Canyon anime, “Tokyo Revengers,” gained international fame and inspired the imagination of viewers around the world with its captivating tale of time jumps and gang conflicts. The main theme, composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, has been praised for its emotional depth and powerful orchestration.

The resurgence of the popular anime character Kinnikuman in the “Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc” series is a testament to Pony Canyon’s ability to breathe new life into beloved classics. The series, premiering on July 7, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the original anime and features music composed by Yasuharu Takanashi. Known for his work on “Naruto Shippuden” and “Fairy Tale,” Takanashi brought a fresh yet nostalgic sound to the series. The opening theme, “LOVE & JUSTICE,” performed by Yasuharu Takanashi x FLOW, and the ending theme, “Chōjin,” performed by Mamoru Miyano, resonated with audiences of all ages.

Global expansion

The timing couldn’t have been better for Pony Canyon’s global expansion, according to Yoshimura. Streaming platforms have allowed non-English music and anime to gain popularity. “The key to this expansion is collaboration,” says Yoshimura. “Finding a balance between company guidelines and artist autonomy is crucial, but for Pony Canyon, that balance is easy to achieve. As an independent company, Pony Canyon enjoys a level of flexibility that many larger companies lack.

Yoshimura says this independence allows the company to form high-quality partnerships around the world without being hindered by internal company agendas. “Our independence allows us to be agile and responsive to market trends,” he explains. “We can partner with the best in the business, wherever they are, to introduce our artists and anime to new audiences.”

Pony Canyon has set an ambitious goal for the next five to ten years: winning major awards, including the GRAMMY® Awards and the Academy Awards®. The company is also eager to explore the creative blends it can do with anime and see Japanese music reach new audiences beyond core anime fans. With the goal of producing unique and compelling content for diverse audiences, Pony Canyon aims to create more cultural crossovers and potentially usher in a new era of music.