Kaori Hayashi, president of Live Nation H.I.P., has been named to Billboard's Global Power Players list for the fourth consecutive year, making her the only Japanese woman on the roster. In an interview with Billboard Japan, she discussed how the company continues to bring major international acts to Japan while helping domestic artists such as Number_i build audiences abroad, work she says relies on long-term trust and relationship-building in what remains a market dominated by homegrown artists.

Since Live Nation acquired H.I.P. in April 2025, the combined operation has drawn on H.I.P.'s four decades of experience in Japan alongside Live Nation's global network, involving it in tours from the planning stage. Notable bookings include Lady Gaga's January 2026 shows, The Weeknd's September 2026 dates, and a landmark Bruno Mars dome tour in January 2027 comprising twelve shows across six venues, including two in Sapporo, a first there for an overseas artist. Hayashi also highlighted brand partnerships, such as a collaboration between Mars and retailer Don Quijote, as evidence the company is moving beyond pure concert promotion, and noted that Japan's live entertainment market hit record profits in 2025, with further growth expected in 2026.