Sir Lucian Grainge, the Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group (UMG), has returned to Tokyo to celebrate Japan's creative talent and attend the second annual Music Awards Japan. The event, organized by the Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), saw UMG artists Fujii Kaze and Mrs. GREEN APPLE win two of the top prizes. Fujii Kaze won Best Album for Prema, while Mrs. GREEN APPLE was named Best Artist at the ceremony in Tokyo on Saturday (June 13).
During his visit, Grainge met with artists, songwriters, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, including Ryosei Akazawa, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. Akazawa described the meeting as a significant step towards strengthening the international expansion of Japanese music. He emphasized the strong global potential of Japan's music industry, both culturally and from a market perspective, and expressed a shared commitment to working with the United States to achieve this goal.
Grainge's remarks at the official gala for Music Awards Japan highlighted Japan's rich musical heritage and its artists' ability to push boundaries. He praised CEIPA for bringing the awards back for a second year, reflecting the country's creative strength and the growing opportunity for Japanese artists to reach global audiences. Mrs. GREEN APPLE and Fujii Kaze have already made significant strides in the industry, with Mrs. GREEN APPLE becoming the highest-ranked Japanese act in the history of the IFPI Global Artist Chart and Fujii Kaze winning the top album award at the inaugural Music Awards Japan in 2025.
The event also featured Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who spoke at the gala, and drew around 1,000 guests, including representatives of CEIPA. Grainge's presence and comments underscore UMG's commitment to supporting Japanese artists and their global aspirations. With Japan's recorded music revenues rising 8.9% year-on-year in 2025, according to the IFPI, the country is experiencing a resurgence in the music industry, and UMG is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.
In conclusion, Sir Lucian Grainge's visit to Tokyo and his participation in the Music Awards Japan highlight the growing global opportunity for Japanese artists. With UMG's support and the industry's resurgence, Japanese music is poised to make an even greater impact on the international stage.
