HYBE Japan announced July 7 that it has appointed Iijima Michi to a newly created position of J-Pop Executive Producer. The move marks a significant recruitment for HYBE's Japanese operations as it seeks to strengthen its foothold in the local market.

Iijima brings nearly 50 years of experience in artist management and entertainment production dating back to 1978. He is best known for his long-term work managing and producing SMAP, Japan's legendary national group, and helping establish what became known as the Japanese "multi-talent model"—a approach that expanded artists' careers beyond music into variety shows, dramas, and films.

Beyond artist management, Iijima has worked as a film producer on critically acclaimed projects, including Midnight Swan, which won Best Picture at the 44th Japan Academy Awards.

In his new role, Iijima will oversee artist IP planning, production strategy, creative direction, and overall development across HYBE Japan's operations. He will combine his deep understanding of the Japanese market with HYBE's global artist development systems to identify and develop next-generation J-Pop talent. Iijima will also continue serving as CEO of CULEN, his own entertainment agency.

The appointment is part of HYBE's "HYBE 2.0" growth strategy, which emphasizes a "multi-home, multi-genre" approach tailored to local markets. HYBE Japan said the hire reflects its commitment to understanding Japanese culture and market dynamics while leveraging its international infrastructure.

Iijima stated in a company release: "At this turning point in the entertainment industry, I firmly believe the future lies in fandom. By integrating fandom and entertainment, I will expand the possibilities of Japanese entertainment and ensure that artists and content born in Japan are loved globally for years to come."

Kim Young-min, chairman of HYBE Japan, added that Iijima's expertise combined with HYBE's global reach would bring "powerful vitality to the Japanese music market."