Universal Music Japan (UMJ), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), has acquired a majority stake in Japanese music company A-Sketch. The acquisition includes the stake previously owned by Amuse and takes effect immediately.
Founded in 2008 as a subsidiary of Amuse in partnership with KDDI, A-Sketch operates as both a record label and artist management company. It has signed artists across rock, J-pop, and anime music, with a catalog that includes releases from ONE OK ROCK, Saucy Dog, Flumpool, and Ayumu Imazu. The company also oversees MASH A&R, which manages acts like The Oral Cigarettes and FREDERIC.
With this acquisition, A-Sketch will function as a label division within UMJ. Nobuyuki Soma will continue as Representative Director and President, reporting to UMJ President & CEO Naoshi Fujikura. UMJ stated that the deal will enhance its artist management capabilities and create new opportunities for Japanese artists both domestically and internationally.
Fujikura welcomed A-Sketch into UMJ, emphasizing plans to expand the reach of its artists through UMG’s global network. Soma expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential for international growth.
The move aligns with UMG’s strategy to expand in high-growth markets, following its recent acquisitions of [PIAS] and Downtown Music Holdings.
