Pony Canyon: Orchestrating a Global Music and Anime Phenomenon

For decades, Japan has been a powerhouse of cultural exports, with anime and music resonating with global audiences. Anime music, a soundtrack for generations, has been 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 the core anime fan base.

Unlocking the Synergy Between Music and Anime

Harmonizing the Art Forms

Pony Canyon, the entertainment company known for its creative expertise in both anime and music, is now setting its sights on global expansion beyond anime. As it ventures into new markets, the company, with its long history as a music label, promises to reshape music and entertainment with an intriguing blend of anime and various other genres in pop culture.Pony Canyon's edge lies in its exceptional synergy between anime and music — a creative passion that is deeply embedded in the company's DNA. The company seamlessly integrates these two art forms to create a unique cultural crossover that appeals to global audiences, especially the younger demographic that appreciates 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. This collaborative spirit has allowed Pony Canyon to produce several successful anime series that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Transcending Language Barriers

The global success of Pony Canyon's anime series, such as "Attack on Titan" and "Tokyo Revengers," proves the company's belief that the combination of great storytelling and music can transcend language barriers. The intense storyline and stunning visuals of "Attack on Titan" were complemented by the breakout success of SiM's "The Rumbling," the opening theme that broke onto international music charts.Similarly, the main theme of "Tokyo Revengers," composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, has been praised for its emotional depth and powerful orchestration, inspiring the imagination of viewers globally with its gripping narrative about time leap and gang conflicts.

Reviving Beloved Classics

Pony Canyon's ability to breathe new life into beloved classics is also evident in the resurgence of the popular anime character Kinnikuman in the series "Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc." The series, which premiered on July 7, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the original anime and features music composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, known for his works on "Naruto Shippuden" and "Fairy Tale." Takanashi's fresh yet nostalgic sound, heard in the opening theme "LOVE & JUSTICE" and the ending theme "Chōjin," has resonated with audiences of all ages.

Fostering Artistic Autonomy

Pony Canyon's global expansion is driven by its commitment to collaboration and artistic autonomy. "The key to this expansion is collaboration," Yoshimura says. "Balancing company directives with artists' autonomy is crucial, but for Pony Canyon, this balance is easily achieved." As an independent company, Pony Canyon enjoys a level of flexibility that many larger corporations lack, allowing it to form high-quality partnerships worldwide without being hindered by internal corporate agendas.

Embracing Agility and Responsiveness

This independence enables Pony Canyon to be agile and responsive to market trends. "Our independence allows us to be agile and responsive to market trends," Yoshimura explains. "We can partner with the best in the business, wherever they are, to bring our artists and anime to new audiences."

Pushing Boundaries and Seeking Accolades

Pony Canyon has set an ambitious goal for the next five to 10 years: to win major awards, including GRAMMY® Awards and Academy Awards®. The company is also eager to explore what creative blends they can achieve with anime and to see Japanese music reach new audiences beyond the core anime fans. With the goal of producing unique and compelling content for diverse audiences, Pony Canyon aims to create more cultural crossovers and to potentially bring forth a new era in music.