Universal Music Group Acquires Majority Stake in A-Sketch

Universal Music Japan (UMJ), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), has acquired a majority stake in the Japanese music company A-Sketch. Founded in 2008 as a subsidiary of Amuse Inc., in partnership with KDDI Corporation, A-Sketch operates as both an artist management firm and record label. The company represents prominent Japanese artists such as Saucy Dog, Flumpool, and Ayumu Imazu, and its catalog includes classic releases from ONE OK ROCK.

Under the terms of the agreement, UMJ will acquire the stake in A-Sketch currently owned by Amuse Inc., effective immediately. A-Sketch will continue to operate as a label division within UMJ, under the leadership of its current Representative Director and President, Nobuyuki Soma, who will report to UMJ's President & CEO, Naoshi Fujikura.

This acquisition aims to bolster UMJ's in-house artist management capabilities and expand its ability to create new creative and commercial opportunities for its artists, both domestically and globally. Naoshi Fujikura expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We look forward to enhancing the value of these artists and delivering their talents to an even wider audience through our extensive global network."

Nobuyuki Soma also commented on the acquisition, noting, "This partnership will provide our artists with significant opportunities for international expansion, and we look forward to finding new synergies across all of our creative endeavors."

This strategic move reflects UMG's commitment to strengthening its presence in key markets and supporting the growth of local talent on a global scale.