Universal Music Japan has acquired a majority stake in A-Sketch, a 17-year-old music company that functions as both an artist management firm and record label. The acquisition marks another strategic move in the Japanese music market, the world's second-largest.

A-Sketch, originally established in partnership with telecom giant KDDI as a subsidiary of Amuse, manages notable acts including Saucy Dog, Flumpool, and Ayumu Imazu. The company also operates MASH A&R and represents several virtual acts and Mandopop star Jay Chou.

While financial terms weren't disclosed, Universal Music Japan confirmed acquiring Amuse's stake in A-Sketch. Current A-Sketch head Nobuyuki Soma will continue leading the business, reporting to Universal Music Japan CEO Naoshi Fujikura.

The acquisition aims to:

• Provide international expansion opportunities for A-Sketch artists
• Strengthen Universal Music's position in Japan's growing streaming market
• Capitalize on Asia's expanding music sector

This move follows recent industry developments in Japan, including Warner Music's reorganization of its Japan division and entry into anime music through an NBCUniversal Japan partnership.

The acquisition positions Universal Music to better capture opportunities in Japan's evolving music market, particularly as streaming adoption continues to grow among its 125 million residents.

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