At the PONYCANYON USA INC. launch press conference held at Japan House in Los Angeles on July 3rd, ASOBISYSTEM Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Nakagawa Yusuke; hereinafter “ASOBISYTEM”), Activ8 Inc. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Osaka Takeshi; hereinafter “Activ8”), and Pony Canyon Inc. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yoshimura Takashi; hereinafter “Pony Canyon”) announced the launch of the “W KAWAII” project, a new joint venture.
■What is the “W KAWAII” project?
In this project, we will create an idol group that will be active both in the real world and the virtual world, aiming to dominate the world of KAWAII (cuteness).
This is a joint venture (project) between three companies: Asobisystem, which has produced global real artists such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and New School Leaders; Activ8, which has strengths in producing virtual IP such as Kizuna AI; and Pony Canyon, which is aiming to expand globally with the relaunch of PONYCANYON USA INC.
Additionally, PONYCANYON USA INC. will act as an overseas strategic liaison office.
■ Roles of each company
Asobisystem: Talent discovery, real-life production and management
Activ8: IP development, virtual production and content planning and production
Pony Canyon: Music production, promotion
■About Talent Auditions
We are looking to recruit talent who can work globally.
Information will be updated on the official “W KAWAII” project X account listed below.
Formula X:https://x.com/W__KAWAII
■Comments from company representatives
Asobisystem Co., Ltd.
Representative Director Yusuke Nakagawa
Since her debut in 2011, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has undertaken many overseas challenges.
As we have experienced a wide range of successes and failures, we have come to feel the limitations of the challenges that each company faces. However, it is truly reassuring to have found colleagues who share the same aspirations and are willing to take on challenges like this.
We hope to make the most of the strengths of each of our three companies and bring joy to people all over the world with our MADE IN JAPAN content.
Activ8 Inc.
Representative Director Takeshi Osaka
We have been working on creating virtual IP since 2016 when we produced Kizuna AI.
Nowadays, managing virtual talent and utilizing digital avatars has become a common choice in the entertainment industry. These technologies have a high affinity with Japanese pop culture and IP business, and Kizuna AI has nearly 10 million followers outside of Japan.
That is why we believe that virtual IP technology can be useful for global expansion. However, technology is only a means, and what is truly important is supporting real people such as creators and actors to maximize their talents and continue to work hard.
We are excited to take on this new challenge together with AsobiSystem and Pony Canyon, two companies with a proven track record in this area.
Pony Canyon USA
Chief Strategy Officer Gabriel Bloch
This collaboration combines Pony Canyon USA’s international music expertise and network, Asobisystem’s pop culture insight, and Activ8’s cutting-edge virtual technology to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience.
The idol group we are creating will perform both as live artists and through digital avatars, aiming to captivate audiences around the world and redefine the future of entertainment.
