Satoshi Tanaka has been appointed CEO of SPACE SHOWER FUGA, the joint venture between Japan’s Space Shower Networks and Downtown-owned B2B music distribution and services platform FUGA.
Tanaka will take the helm as of July 1, succeeding Koichi Sato, who led the JV since its inception in 2021 and will now take over as Chairman.
Tanaka brings with him two decades of experience at Space Shower Networks, a multifaceted Tokyo-headquartered entertainment company founded in 1989 that operates label and talent agency Space Shower Music, as well as music TV channel Space Shower TV.
His previous roles at the company involved content production, international business development, and corporate planning. Tanaka has been on SPACE SHOWER FUGA’s board of directors since 2022, and the company credits him with playing a key role during “an impressive period of growth.”
SPACE SHOWER FUGA, which provides digital distribution, royalty reporting and promotional services, says it has built a roster of about 2,000 clients, including indie labels, artist management companies, and rights holders.
In the CEO role, Tanaka will continue to oversee all client acquisition and business development for the company.
Meanwhile, Sato will assume the role of Chairman on July 1, and will continue to contribute to the company’s development and strategic direction, SPACE SHOWER FUGA said in a statement issued on Wednesday (June 25).
The company credits him with securing its initial client base and establishing its presence in the market.
FUGA and Space Shower Networks teamed up on the JV in 2021, with the idea of combining Space Shower’s extensive local network with FUGA’s technology and global infrastructure. The JV focuses on offering artists and rightsholders access to global DSPs while offering localized solutions tailored to Japan’s unique domestic music market.
“I’m committed to furthering our mission by deepening partnerships and delivering long-term value across the music ecosystem.”
Satoshi Tanaka, SPACE SHOWER FUGA
“SPACE SHOWER FUGA was created to serve Japan’s music rights holders with global infrastructure and local insight,” Tanaka said.
“Moving forward, I’m committed to furthering our mission by deepening partnerships and delivering long-term value across the music ecosystem.”
“It’s been an honor working alongside Tanaka-san, and I have no doubt he will continue to thrive in his new role as CEO,” added Christiaan Kröner, President, FUGA.
“His leadership, vision, and deep understanding of SPACE SHOWER FUGA will help shape the company’s next chapter and future growth. Sato-san has brought the company a long way during his time as CEO, his impact has been truly significant, and I look forward to seeing him continue to guide our direction in his new role as Chairman.”
The JV with FUGA is one of a number of initiatives that Space Shower Networks has undertaken as it expanded its activities to include artist management, publishing, digital content services, and large-scale music festivals.
The company first got involved in music distribution in 2004 with its acquisition of BounDee (formerly 3D System), an early pioneer of digital distribution in the Japanese market.
More recently, the company partnered with fan platform operator SKIYAKI Inc. in 2022, in an effort to “create synergy” between Japan’s highly developed fan club business and Space Shower’s music businesses.
According to annual accounts filed in The Netherlands and seen by MBW, FUGA (Independent IP BV) owns 49% of the issued share capital in Space Shower FUGA Inc.
Space Shower Networks owns the other 51% in the JV.
FUGA is owned by Downtown Music Holdings.
Universal Music Group announced late last year that it had reached an agreement to acquire Downtown Music Holdings for USD $775 million – a deal that is currently being scrutinized by European regulators.Music Business Worldwide
