FUGA Partners with Japanese Firm Space Shower Networks To Establish New Digital Music Distribution Joint Venture

15 December 2020 - Press release

 

• “SPACE SHOWER FUGA” will combine FUGA’s advanced technology with Space Shower Networks’ local market expertise to provide a full-suite of B2B digital music services
• Will create a compelling offering for the fast-growing digital sector in Japan, world’s #2 music market

 

FUGA, the industry-leading music distribution company for international rights holders owned by Downtown Music Holdings, and Space Shower Networks Inc., the independent Japanese distribution, sales and marketing enterprise, have signed an agreement to establish a new joint venture company based in Japan. 

Recognising the potential of Japan’s fast-growing digital sector (subscription streaming rose by 33% year-on-year in 2019), the new company, SPACE SHOWER FUGA, will combine FUGA’s end-to-end music technology stack with Space Shower’s local distribution expertise to offer a full suite of B2B digital music services for the world’s second largest music market. 

Set to launch in Spring 2021, the venture will see Space Shower’s digital distribution clients benefit from FUGA’s comprehensive range of technology services, and provide FUGA with a unique platform to develop its existing business and service its large international client base in Japan. The joint venture will also help deliver and market Space Shower’s music catalogues to a worldwide audience via FUGA’s global distribution and marketing division.  

Speaking of the new venture Masashi Kondo, President & CEO, Space Shower Networks Inc. said “The Japanese digital market has been developing at a tremendous speed in recent years and changing the way music is consumed. FUGA’s cutting-edge technology and marketing capability make them the perfect partner to help grow our business and deliver the utmost value to our artists.”

Pieter van Rijn, CEO, FUGA added, “This JV is the ideal collaboration for FUGA to drive the company’s continuing global expansion. The hugely experienced and professional Space Shower Networks team will be an enormous asset for both existing and future FUGA clients within the important Japanese music market.”

Established in 1989, Space Shower works with independent music creators providing sales, distribution and marketing support. Although not part of the joint venture arrangement, Space Shower also runs Space Shower TV, one of the biggest music channels in Japan, in addition to its involvement in film production, music event production and organisation, live venue management, and artist and label management.