Akiyama, Miyauchi appointed heads of Nippon TV’s Tokyo and LA ventures

Nippon TV in Japan is launching a new unscripted-focused studio in Tokyo and an office in the US as part of the broadcaster and distributor’s global expansion strategy.

Kenichiro Akiyama

Kenichiro Akiyama, who has served as chief producer on multiple prime time Nippon TV entertainment shows, has been appointed as the head of the fledgling Gyokuro Studio in Tokyo.

The venture aims to develop 10 unscripted titles each year, with plans to distribute them worldwide. The studio will co-create with both top in-house talent and leading external creators and production houses to deliver premium Japanese content for the global marketplace.

Akiyama said: “We are restructuring our production framework from a domestic-focused model to one designed for global rollout, accelerating the development of a robust foundation for creating content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

“We will actively engage in truly global co-creation with our production partners both in Japan and abroad, and together we will strive to generate new needs and value in the global entertainment market. We will continue to take on new challenges every day, aiming to build a strong and sustainable presence.”

The LA-based business hub, meanwhile, will be headed up by Tom Miyauchi, who has served as head of formats at Nippon TV and was instrumental in launching the Canadian adaptation of hit format Old Enough. He is relocating to California this month to launch the new business office in July.

The hub will focus on driving sales of content and IP in the US and Latin America. It also aims to grow alliances with local distribution studios and build a local production framework.

Miyauchi said: “With the launch of our Los Angeles business hub at the forefront of the global entertainment market, we are here to tap into the pulse of local trends and connect with global audiences with precision and agility.

“By strengthening collaboration and co-creation with valued partners and creators, our aim is to lead every phase of the content journey – from content development and full-scale production to distribution and international rollout, and the establishment of local production frameworks.”

Nippon TV describes itself as Japan’s leading multi-platform entertainment powerhouse. The company is best known for scripted format Mother, as well as formats such as Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank and Old Enough.