Live Nation purchases Hayashi International Promotions, a major concert company in Japan
Live Nation has recently completed the acquisition of Hayashi International Promotions (HIP), a prominent live music promoter in Japan that caters to both domestic and international artists. Established over four decades ago, HIP stands as one of the key players in Japan’s live music scene, boasting a strong track record of organizing concerts.
HIP, under the leadership of CEO Kaori Hayashi, has not only brought renowned global superstars to Japan but has also introduced well-known US rock festival brands to the local market. Noteworthy among these partnerships was Ozzfest, which debuted in Japan in 2013 and made a successful return in 2015. The recent acquisition solidifies Live Nation’s foothold in Japan, the second-largest recorded music market in the world.
Live Nation’s existing presence in Japan has already seen the likes of legendary performers such as Oasis, Kylie Minogue, and KYGO grace the country’s stages in 2025. Through a strategic union with HIP that combines Live Nation’s global network with HIP’s local expertise, the collaboration aims to elevate Japan’s live music industry by facilitating the access of international superstars to Japanese audiences. Simultaneously, the partnership strives to showcase J-pop talents on a broader international platform, fostering connections between Japanese artists and a growing global fan base.
CEO and President of Live Nation Entertainment, Michael Rapino, expressed his admiration for HIP and the opportunities it presents. “As Kaori continues to build on the incredible legacy her family started, we’re excited to partner with her and the HIP team to bring even more live music to fans across Japan,” stated Rapino.
Echoing this sentiment, Kaori Hayashi highlighted the significance of Live Nation’s collaboration for HIP and Japanese artists. “HIP has been at the heart of Japan’s live music scene for over 40 years, and our focus has always been on delivering incredible concerts for fans,” said Hayashi. “Partnering with Live Nation allows us to keep doing this with greater scale, giving Japanese artists the opportunity to perform to new audiences and strengthening Japan’s position as a must-visit destination for major acts.”
In a 2023 interview for MBW’s World Leaders series, Hayashi emphasized the potential for international artists to resonate with Japanese audiences by immersing themselves in the local music scene. She cited Bruno Mars as an example of an artist who successfully integrated Japanese elements into his performances, fostering a connection with fans and garnering appreciation for his efforts. According to Hayashi, such dedication to engaging with Japanese fans and showcasing cultural inclusivity is essential for international artists seeking to establish a strong presence in Japan’s live music landscape.
The acquisition of HIP by Live Nation signifies a significant step towards enriching Japan’s live music industry and providing a platform for both local and international artists to captivate audiences in one of the world’s most vibrant music markets.