Music industry veteran Kazunari Imai has been appointed Chairman & Strategic Business Relations Senior Executive Director of Believe Japan, marking a significant development in the digital music distributor‘s expansion efforts. In this newly created position, Imai will co-lead business strategy and identify merger, acquisition, and joint-venture opportunities in Japan’s evolving digital music landscape, the world’s second-largest music market.
Imai brings over 40 years of Japanese music industry experience to Believe, having previously held senior executive positions at Victor Entertainment, JVC Networks, and Pony Canyon before founding his own consulting agency, KiSML Inc. His extensive background spans multiple genres including J-POP and rock, with particular expertise in label operations and artist development. He also worked as a rock label promoter at SPEEDSTAR RECORDS/TAISHITA earlier in his career.
A 40-year industry veteran with executive experience spanning Victor Entertainment, JVC Networks, and Pony Canyon, bringing expertise in J-POP, rock, and label operations.
In his strategic role, Imai reports directly to Erika Ogawa, Managing Director of Believe Japan, and Sylvain Delange, President of Believe APAC. This leadership structure integrates local market knowledge with Believe’s global digital music platform, facilitating dialogue between the company and Japanese industry stakeholders. The company aims to help Japanese artists establish diverse income streams through traditional and emerging revenue channels. Imai has expressed great honor in joining the company to support the development of local artists within Japan’s music ecosystem.
Since Believe entered the Japanese market in October 2023, the company has invested heavily in local infrastructure and team development. Under Imai’s strategic input, Believe launched PLAYCODE, a hip-hop-focused imprint, in February 2024 and formed a partnership with Teichiku Entertainment in March 2025. The company aims to leverage streaming platforms to enhance artist exposure while optimizing royalty structures for maximum earnings in the digital landscape.
Imai’s appointment emphasizes Believe’s commitment to scaling operations in Japan while prioritizing artist development centered on local talent. His focus includes expanding Label & Artist Solutions within the Japanese market and exposing Japanese artists to international audiences, all while supporting the country’s ongoing music digitalization efforts.
The strategic role signals Believe’s serious commitment to establishing itself as a key player in Japan’s competitive music industry. With Imai’s industry connections and deep expertise, Believe aims to strengthen its market presence through strategic partnerships and innovative label services, positioning itself for sustainable long-term growth in this vital market.
