EMI Music Japan

Lore & Background

The company was founded on October 1, 1960, as Toshiba Musical Industries. From 1962, it licensed Columbia (UK) titles for release in Japan. After an injection of capital by Capitol EMI, EMI acquired 50% of the company in October 1973, and the name was changed to Toshiba EMI Limited. On October 3, 1994, the equity ratio changed, with EMI obtaining 55% and Toshiba owning 45%.

Reader's Guide

EMI Music Japan was significant as one of Japan's leading music companies, with a history spanning over five decades. Its transition from a joint venture with Toshiba to a wholly owned EMI subsidiary in 2007 marked a shift in corporate control. The company's absorption into Universal Music Japan in 2013 ended its independent existence, but its legacy continued through the EMI Records Japan sublabel. The company was also known for its involvement in anime production during its Toshiba-EMI era. After dissolution, some former staff moved to other companies, and CEO Kazuhiko Koike stepped down by end of 2013.

Did You Know?

• EMI Music Japan was originally founded as Toshiba Musical Industries on October 1, 1960.
• It became a wholly owned subsidiary of EMI Group on June 30, 2007, after Toshiba sold its 45% stake.
• The company was absorbed into Universal Music Japan on April 1, 2013, and renamed EMI Records Japan.
• Its advertising slogan was 'Music for all, All for music'.