Tokyo Studio Launch: Gyokuro Studio

TOKYO, June 2, 2025 — Nippon TV, Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment company, today unveiled Gyokuro Studio, a Tokyo-based production hub focused on creating original unscripted content for international audiences. The studio plans to produce ten new titles annually—reaching 100 titles in 10 years—to be distributed worldwide. Collaborations will pair in‑house experts with top external talent to deliver content crafted with the care and quality of premium gyokuro tea.

Kenichiro Akiyama, former chief producer of prime‑time entertainment at Nippon TV, has been appointed Head of Gyokuro Studio. He stated, “We are restructuring our production framework from a domestic‑focused model to one designed for global rollout… We will actively engage in truly global ‘co‑creation’ … to generate new needs and value in the global entertainment market.”

Los Angeles Business Hub: Nippon TV LA Business Office

Nippon TV will also open a new LA Business Office to oversee content and IP sales throughout North America and LATAM, build distribution partnerships, and develop local production capabilities. Tom Miyauchi, former Head of Formats at Nippon TV and key contributor to the Canadian adaptation of Old Enough!, will lead the office. He will relocate in June for operations starting in July.

Miyauchi commented, “With the launch of our Los Angeles business hub … we aim to lead every phase of the content journey—from development and production to distribution and international rollout… In collaboration with Gyokuro Studio, we aim to pioneer new frontiers for globally driven entertainment, proudly originating from Japan.”

Key Leadership Appointments

• Kenichiro Akiyama – Appointed Head of Gyokuro Studio in Tokyo; brings extensive experience in prime‑time entertainment production.

• Tom Miyauchi – Named Head of LA Business Office; relocates in June to begin operations in July; previously instrumental in Old Enough! adaptation.

Strategic Growth Objectives

About Nippon TV

Nippon TV is Japan’s top multiplatform entertainment company and owner of Hulu in Japan. It holds full ownership of around 90% of its content IP and has a strong track record of global distribution in anime, scripted formats, reality shows, and co‑productions. Notable successes include the Emmy-winning Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank formats (52 versions globally), the drama Mother (Asia’s most exported), and Netflix’s Old Enough!. Nippon TV also owns Studio Ghibli (acquired 2023), and actively develops digital media strategies to enhance its global media presence.