Kako Kuwahara Appointed as New President and CEO of Nippon Television Music Corporation

TOKYO, JAPAN – July 14, 2025 — Nippon Television Music Corporation, the music publishing arm of Japan's leading multi-platform entertainment powerhouse Nippon TV and a subsidiary of Nippon Television Holdings, Inc., is pleased to announce the appointment of Kako Kuwahara as its new President and CEO. She replaces Akihiro Shimizu, who has been appointed as President of Tipness Co. Ltd., also a subsidiary of Nippon Television Holdings, that operates fitness clubs throughout Japan. Nippon TV Music, established in 1969 and headquartered in Tokyo, plays a pivotal role in the global expansion of music and character IPs originating from Nippon TV. The company manages a wide range of musical works—including background scores and opening and ending themes—for popular anime titles such as HUNTER×HUNTER, DEATH NOTE, The Apothecary Diaries, and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, in collaboration with global sub-publishers around the world. Additionally, the company oversees international merchandising and game adaptation businesses for titles like HUNTER×HUNTER and Anpanman.

Kuwahara brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously served as Head of International Business and Head of Anime Business at Nippon TV. She was instrumental in launching globally successful anime titles such as The Apothecary Diaries and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, significantly expanding the company's anime business on the international stage. Under her leadership, Nippon TV Music aims to further strengthen its presence in the global market. Kuwahara will report to Nippon TV Holding's Senior Operating Officer, Keiichi Sawa.

Quote from Kako Kuwahara, President and CEO:
“Anime titles from Nippon TV such as HUNTER×HUNTER, DEATH NOTE, The Apothecary Diaries, and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End are enjoyed by audiences around the world. While Nippon TV is already a global powerhouse in Japanese entertainment, we at Nippon TV Music aim to further elevate our presence through music produced by us on Nippon TV's hit shows. Together with anime, films, drama series, and variety shows—and in collaboration with Japan's talented music creators—we aspire to create music and characters that resonate with audiences worldwide.”

Nippon TV Music is a music publisher within the Nippon TV Group, operating in two core areas: music business and character business. In the music business, the company coordinates theme songs and background scores for Nippon TV programs, handles master recording production and copyright management, and nurtures emerging artists and creators. In the character business, it oversees international merchandising and game adaptation businesses for titles like HUNTER×HUNTER, Anpanman, and Lupin the Third. The company is committed to delivering the essence and spirit of its works to fans in Japan and around the world through high-quality products and services.

About Nippon TV
Nippon TV is Japan's leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, as well as owner of streaming giant Hulu in Japan. Nearly 90% of its content IP is fully owned by Nippon TV and the company has been active in bringing its content to the international market in the form of anime, ready-made programs, formats, and through co-production partnerships. The company has also recently announced Gyokuro Studio, an in-house production arm and Nippon TV LA Business Office as the global co-development and sales headquarters, both dedicated to unscripted formats.

Nippon TV website⼁LinkedIn ⼁Nippon TV LA Business Office ⼁Gyokuro