Stéphane Chapuy works in the local music industry of Japan and Internationally since 1999, and being an expert on foreign cultural networks. He has developed various labels and foreign groups in addition to being an expert in cultural networks in Japan covering a wide range of genres such as jazz, electro, world music, hip hop, rock and pop.

GIG IN JAPAN offers a 360 degree service to manage your music business in Japan for foreign label with over 15 years field experience in concerts, show-cases, record releases, promotion, marketing, sponsoring, publishing and consulting.

We have the opportunity of brining you this interview, and his thoughts on why branching into Japan, as well as the global music markets would be the best thing to do at this time.

What exactly is the Shibuya Showcase Fest and how did it come into existence?

Shibuya showcase fest is a new music convention humanly sized for indie labels who aims to get a first approach on the Japan market and local audience. As Japan is a complex market, it is also very exciting, this 2 day convention will give to attendees the key to understand how the local industry works and establish accurate and long term connections. The idea came by talking with some export music office I’m working with and who pointed the lack of this kind of event in such a huge market. Moreover, as consultant, I’m doing a lot of prospect mission, sourcing, and delegate production, all year long, since 10 years now. That’s why i make the gamble to concentrate all my knowledge, skills, network and energy on one yearly event.

Why Japan?

Japan music market stays unique. Physical sales (CDs, singles, vinyls, DVDs) account for almost 80% of market sales. And turnover generated by foreign-based music is valued at USD 525 bn.

​​In the last few years, local live music businesses have shown strong economic growth. According to the Association of Concert Promoters Conference (ACPC), ticket sales have seen revenue more than double during the period between 2010 and 2016, from ‎USD 1.14 billion to 2.45 billion.

​Japan is renowned as the most solid, structured and reliable market in Asia, where music industry players offer business guarantees to importers, especially those who are able to invest in projects, guaranteeing long-term profitability.

What are the plans for the first Shibuya Showcase Fest, what can we expect?

On Thursday the 14th, in the morning, delegates can assist to lively case study, with foreign artists’ management who get some significant success in Japan, and also some tips to be well connected with the local network. On Friday the 15th accurate lecture by significant Japanese speakers will be offered to understand the local live business, and the publishing business. Every afternoon, face to face meeting will be arranged for delegates with Japanese music professional regarding their aims, then networking cocktail before the band showcase.

Why is it an “absolute must” for every music professional to attend the event?

We will offer to all attendees an optimal cost-effectiveness ratio to make understand the second largest music market in the world. All Japanese attendees will be invited for free for each event. More, for maximum efficiency, and to avoid being lost in transportation, we have chosen to concentrate lecture, face to face meeting and showcase in a small area in Shibuya within a one square mile radius.

This area also has the highest concentration of music industry headquarters. More than 100 Japanese music companies and key players will be invited for free to the SSF.

How do you want the Shibuya Showcase Fest to develop? What are your future plans? How could the Festival look like in 2020?

I hope it will develop slowly and surely, like Japanese people do, to become a permanent bridge between local market and oversea market. The image of bridge also means cultural and business exchange in a long-term and smart way. Japan is also a promising hub to get access to all Asian Market. Additionally 2020 will be Tokyo Olympic times, in August, and i hope we will have the same success in September of the same year… Slowly, but surely we look to bring artists and the industry together on a level field.

Interested in this Opportunity?, Click the link below and sign up to be part of what will be the largest Music based Business and Networking events of the year!

Whats Included – SHIBUYA SHOWCASE FEST

• 2 days in Shibuya – Tokyo’s busiest entertainment centre
• ​Meet up with the local music industry
• ​Unique promotional and networking opportunities for you to make it big in Japan
• 15 Showcase Performances : Rock, pop, indie, world, folk, alternative jazz, fusion, electro, and much more
• B2B & MARKET KEYNOTES (meet the music industry local players)
• Record companies, publishers, promoters, online distribution, media, etc.

 

Who will be attending –

• International bands
• International export office
• International records companies
• International artist management
• International promoters, festivals
• International media

 

From Japan :

• Headliner Bands
• Music associations
• Records companies
• Artist management
• Local promoters and festivals
• Media Services
• Japanese audiences

More details on shibuyashowcasefest.com