Photo Credit: Tatsuya Nomura (Board Members, CEIPA / President, FMPJ) by Yuri Hasegawa
Japan’s cultural organization CEIPA made its debut in Los Angeles last week with the sold-out Matsuri ‘25: Japanese Music Experience Los Angeles.
The Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA) debuted its sold-out Matsuri ‘25 event at the Peacock Theater, supported by CEIPA and Toyota Group’s Music Way Project. They previously announced the launch of the project on February 25, which aims to support and drive the fundamental globalization and sustainable growth of the Japanese music industry.
The project focuses on strengthening the footholds of high-profile events. This world-class J-pop concert, starring Ado, Atarashii Gakko!, and Yoasobi, demonstrated that the music industry organization has already laid the groundwork for a lasting presence in America. A portion of ticket sales from the concert will go to LA wildfire recovery efforts through MusiCares.
In addition to the sold-out concert, the Matsuri ‘25: JP Music Industry Mixer, hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Los Angeles, took place prior to the show at the same venue. The event began with opening greetings from Yoshiko Tsuwaki, the executive director of JETRO Los Angeles, setting the tone for the evening’s proceedings. Next, CEIPA presented an insightful overview of Music Awards Japan (MAJ) with key contributions from Tatsuya Nomura, a CEIPA board member, and Taro Kumabe, the executive director of CEIPA.
The “Music Festivals and Live Events: The Key to Japanese Artists’ Success in the International Market” panel, moderated by Ryan J. Downey (Billboard, MTV, Loudwire), provided industry perspectives on how Japanese artists are establishing themselves in the global music scene. In addition, the panel discussed the logistical and financial hurdles of touring overseas, and the role of international partnerships and festival bookings in shaping their future.
“I would say one of the great advantages is that musicians from Japan are very open to working with and collaborating with anime or gaming,” said Ellen Lu, VP of Regional Festivals, Goldenvoice. “These artists are not just reaching fans that are music fans.”
A sold-out success, Matsuri ‘25 wasn’t just another festival — it was proof that Japan’s next generation of artists isn’t waiting for the world to catch up. They’re already leading the charge.
Content shared from www.digitalmusicnews.com.