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

Iijima brings half a century of experience in artist management, production, and content planning dating back to 1978. He is best known for his work developing SMAP, Japan's legendary national group, into top-tier artists. Beyond music, Iijima pioneered what became known as the 'multi-talent model'—expanding artists into variety shows, dramas, and films. His production credits also include the film Midnight Swan, which won Best Picture at the 44th Japan Academy Awards.

In his new role, Iijima will oversee all aspects of artist IP planning, production strategy, creative direction, and production for HYBE Japan. The company plans to combine his knowledge of the local industry with HYBE's artist development infrastructure to identify and develop next-generation J-pop artists. Importantly, Iijima will continue as CEO of his own agency, CULEN, allowing him to maintain his existing work.

The appointment is part of HYBE's broader "HYBE 2.0" growth strategy, which emphasizes a "multi-home, multi-genre" approach tailored to local markets. HYBE Japan has stated it aims to solidify its leading position in Japan by reflecting local culture and market characteristics in its strategy.

In a statement, Iijima said, "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 insights and achievements combined with HYBE's global infrastructure will bring "powerful vitality to the Japanese music market."