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U.S.-Based Japanese Music Company Nebula17 Expands Team & Roster: ‘J-Pop Feels Ready for Its Moment’
Los Angeles-based Nebula17 has expanded its team, publishing roster and label operations as it works to build a stronger audience for Japanese music in the United States. Founder Naoki Osada says J-pop is gaining momentum, and the company aims to help Japanese artists reach US listeners through cross-border collaborations while preserving their music’s identity.
New hires include former YG USA chief Daniel Hong as COO, alongside six staff in marketing, digital, A&R, international operations and engineering. Nebula17 has signed three publishing acts and three label artists, and partnered with The Orchard for global distribution. Its West Hollywood studio will host writing camps and collaborations; the company is also leading US A&R for BE:FIRST, whose first global EP reached No. 130 on the Billboard 200.
In short
- Nebula17 is expanding to help Japanese artists reach US audiences.
- The company added seven staff and signed six publishing and label acts.
- Its Orchard partnership and studio will support international distribution and collaboration.
Explained simply
J-pop is pop music made in Japan, with artists often building audiences at home before reaching listeners abroad. Its growth in the United States can involve more than releasing songs: artists and companies may need to build local partnerships, promotion and ways to connect with audiences while working across different music industries.
Nebula17 is a Los Angeles-based company founded by Naoki Osada that works in music publishing and record releases. Publishing involves managing the rights to songs, while a label helps release and promote recordings; the company’s work with Japanese acts includes US artist and repertoire (A&R), the search for and development of artists and music.
Daniel Hong, formerly of YG USA, is among the company’s new staff, and The Orchard is its global distribution partner. These roles and partnerships place Nebula17 between Japanese artists and US-based industry networks, a connection that may shape how their music is introduced to listeners while retaining its Japanese identity.
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