HYBE Japan Establishes New Position... Former 'Smaap' Manager Joins

[Dispatch=Lee Myung-ju] Hive Japan has recruited a producer from the Japanese group SMAP.

Hive Japan announced on the 7th that "Iijima Michi has been appointed to the newly established position of J-pop executive producer" and "will also serve concurrently as representative of entertainment agency Karen."

He is a figure who has been active in the Japanese entertainment industry since 1978. He managed SMAP and handled their producing, elevating them to the ranks of a national group.

He is also well known as a pioneer of the "multi-talented model." He established a model in which artists diversified their activity areas not only in music but also in variety shows, dramas, and films.

Executive Producer Iijima has also worked as a film producer. He also participated in planning "Midnight Swan," which won the Best Film award at the 44th Japan Academy Prize.

At Hive Japan, he will contribute to discovering next-generation J-pop artists. He will be in charge of a wide range of areas including artist IP planning and production, creative work, and producing.

Executive Producer Iijima introduced himself, saying "I have worked in the entertainment industry for a long time and have devoted myself to content production spanning music, video, film, and TV."

He added, "I am convinced that the future of entertainment lies in fandom" and "I will work to ensure that artists and content born in Japan are loved for a long time."

Meanwhile, Hive Japan is Hive's Japan headquarters. Under a "multi-home, multi-genre" strategy, it is developing business that reflects local culture and market characteristics.