Unlocking the Global Potential of Anime Music: Universal Music Group and Frontier Works Partner to Revolutionize the Industry

In a groundbreaking move, Universal Music Group's global indie artist and label services division, Virgin Music Group (VMG), has joined forces with Tokyo-based Frontier Works to unleash a new era of anime music projects. This strategic partnership aims to capitalize on the surging global demand for Japanese culture and content, including the ever-popular world of animation and gaming.

Harnessing the Power of Anime Music to Captivate Audiences Worldwide

Tapping into the Booming Anime Industry

The global appetite for anime, Japan's iconic style of animated TV shows and movies, has been steadily on the rise. According to the most recent Anime Industry Report from the Association of Japanese Animators (AJA), Japan's domestic animation industry reached a staggering market size of USD .57 billion in 2022, a remarkable 106.8% year-over-year increase. Fueled by the pandemic-driven surge in anime popularity, revenue from outside Japan saw record growth in 2022, soaring by 111.1% year-over-year.

Frontier Works: A Powerhouse in Anime-Inspired Entertainment

Established in 2022, Frontier Works is a trailblazer in the creation and distribution of anime-related content, encompassing music, books, games, film distribution for TV, theatrical anime/stage productions, 3DCG live performances, merchandise, radio, and various events. The company has already made a name for itself with its popular game franchises, Ensemble Stars!! and Ensemble Stars!! Music, captivating audiences with their unique blend of life simulation and rhythm gaming experiences.

Unlocking Global Opportunities with VMG's Expertise

Through this partnership with VMG, Frontier Works will gain access to a wealth of resources and expertise to amplify the reach of its anime-inspired music. VMG's cutting-edge distribution and marketing platform, powered by AI technology, will provide Frontier Works with a global stage to showcase its exceptional content. Additionally, Frontier Works will benefit from VMG's interconnected team of music experts, who will lend their support to ensure the success of the company's releases.

Leveraging AI-Driven Insights and Targeted Engagement

The partnership will also empower Frontier Works to harness the power of VMG's innovative technologies, including the "Trends Now" marketing tool, which analyzes streaming data to uncover actionable insights, and the "Smart Audience" advertising platform, which utilizes ethical AI to enhance fan engagement and drive streaming consumption.

Expanding Horizons: VMG's Global Footprint and Diversification

This latest partnership with Frontier Works is part of VMG's broader strategy to capitalize on the growing internationalization of music tastes and trends. In recent years, VMG has established a presence in Brazil, expanded its involvement in Latin Music through the acquisition of Saban Music Latin, and launched offices in the Western Balkans and Africa, including Nigeria.

Unlocking Boundless Possibilities: A Transformative Collaboration

The synergy between VMG and Frontier Works holds immense potential, as both companies recognize the immense global appeal of anime-inspired music. Masaya Inokuchi, Managing Director of JP Virgin Music Group, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "A partnership with a partner with such unique and amazing content as Frontier Works has unlimited possibilities for both parties."This groundbreaking collaboration promises to revolutionize the way anime music is discovered, distributed, and consumed worldwide, opening up new avenues for artists, fans, and the industry as a whole.