Pony Canyon Looks to Reshape Global Entertainment Industry With Anime and Music

For decades, Japan has been a powerhouse of cultural exports, with anime and music resonating with global audiences. Anime music, a soundtrack for generations, has been weaved into the fabric of global music culture and inspires artists across diverse genres. Iconic anime soundtracks and theme songs have found their way into playlists and created a unique cultural phenomenon that transcends borders — and there is a growing audience for Japanese music beyond the core anime fan base.

This wave of influence can be attributed to Pony Canyon, the entertainment company known for creative expertise in both anime and music. Pony Canyon is now setting its sights on global expansion beyond anime. As it ventures into new markets, the company, known for its long history as a music label, promises to reshape music and entertainment with an intriguing blend of anime and various other genres in pop culture.

Synergy in Music and Anime

Pony Canyon’s edge lies in its exceptional synergy between anime and music — a creative passion that is deeply embedded in the company’s DNA. Pony Canyon seamlessly integrates anime and music to create a unique cultural crossover that appeals to global audiences, especially the younger demographic that appreciates diverse and innovative artistic expression.

Pony Canyon’s ability to harmonize music and anime comes from a place of collaboration. “Our approach has always been to blend these two art forms to create something extraordinary,” company president Takashi Yoshimura explains.

Pony Canyon has achieved success with several anime series. “Attack on Titan” recently captivated audiences worldwide with its intense storyline and stunning visuals. SiM’s “The Rumbling,” which is used as the opening theme for the final season, broke onto international music charts. The global success of “Attack on Titan” proves Pony Canyon executives’ belief that the combination of great story and music can transcend language barriers.

Another Pony Canyon anime, “Tokyo Revengers,” gained international acclaim and inspired the imagination of viewers globally with its gripping narrative about time leap and gang conflicts. The main theme, composed by Hiroaki Tsutsumi, has been praised for its emotional depth and powerful orchestration.

The resurgence of popular anime character Kinnikuman in the series “Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc” is testament to Pony Canyon’s ability to breathe new life into beloved classics. The series, which premiered on July 7, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the original anime and features music composed by Yasuharu Takanashi. Known for his works on “Naruto Shippuden” and “Fairy Tale,” Takanashi brought a fresh yet nostalgic sound to the series. The opening theme, “LOVE & JUSTICE,” performed by Yasuharu Takanashi x FLOW, and the ending theme, “Chōjin,” performed by Mamoru Miyano, have resonated with audiences of all ages.

Global Expansion

The timing for Pony Canyon’s global expansion couldn’t have been better, according to Yoshimura. Streaming platforms have allowed for non-English music and anime to gain widespread popularity. “The key to this expansion is collaboration,” Yoshimura says. “Balancing company directives with artists’ autonomy is crucial, but for Pony Canyon, this balance is easily achieved. As an independent company, Pony Canyon enjoys a level of flexibility that many larger corporations lack.”

Yoshimura says this independence allows the company to form high-quality partnerships worldwide without being hindered by internal corporate agendas. “Our independence allows us to be agile and responsive to market trends,” he explains. “We can partner with the best in the business, wherever they are, to bring our artists and anime to new audiences.”

Pony Canyon has set an ambitious goal for the next five to 10 years: to win major awards including GRAMMY® Awards and Academy Awards®. The company is also eager to explore what creative blends they can achieve with anime and to see Japanese music reach new audiences beyond the core anime fans. With the goal of producing unique and compelling content for diverse audiences, Pony Canyon aims to create more cultural crossovers and to potentially bring forth a new era in music.