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LDH logo

LDH's current logo (2017-present)

LDH former logo

LDH's first logo (2003-2016)

LDH JAPAN logo

LDH JAPAN logo (2017-present)

LDH JAPAN Inc. (株式会社LDH JAPAN), formerly known as LDH Inc., is a Japanese entertainment company founded by the boy group EXILE and established on September 18, 2003.

The company provides artist management services for singers, dancers, actors, models, athletes and more. The name of the company is an acronym for "Love, Dream & Happiness".

History[]

2002[]

On October 17, 2002, the six founding members of EXILE invested ¥500,000 each in order to establish a company. With a capital of 3 million yen in total, they founded EXILE ENTERTAINMENT LTD., with EXILE HIRO serving as its president.

2003[]

On September 18, 2003, the company merged with the model agency ThreePoint and formed LDH as a joint-stock company. With the creation, HIRO stayed in his position as president and Mori Masataka was appointed as the executive vice president.

2016[]

On October 23, 2016, it was announced that LDH would embark on a complete reorganization of its corporate structure in order to expand its business worldwide.[1]

2017[]

LDH ASIA logo

LDH ASIA logo (2017-2023)

LDH EUROPE logo

LDH EUROPE logo (2017-2023)

LDH USA logo

LDH USA logo (2017-2023)

LDH WORLD logo

LDH WORLD logo (2017-2023)

On January 1, 2017, the company rebranded with a new logo and revealed a world expansion plan,[2] including the foundation of the global subsidiaries "LDH ASIA", "LDH USA" and "LDH EUROPE", with a main company "LDH WORLD" overseeing them.[3] From this day onward, the Japanese establishment of the company would also be called "LDH JAPAN". For LDH WORLD, EXILE HIRO took on the role of chief creative officer, while VERBAL, NIGO and Dr. Romanelli (aka DRx) were appointed as executive creative directors. Mori Masataka was appointed as the CEO of LDH JAPAN, Matsuda Makoto as the CEO of LDH ASIA, Afrojack as the CEO of LDH EUROPE and Mori Hirotaka as the CEO of LDH USA.[4][1]

Several group companies were also established with the expansion,[5] including already formed subsidiaries, such as:

Additionally, it was revealed that the artists belonging to the company would be welcomed as staff members into the company organization alongside their artistic activities if they themselves wished to do so as their future dream, in order to create an environment where they can be more and more involved in the management of the company. In line with this, EXILE AKIRA joined EXPG, Kobayashi Naoki joined LDH USA, Tachibana Kenchi joined LDH ASIA, EXILE TETSUYA joined LDH kitchen and EXILE NAOTO joined LDH apparel as a staff member.[1]

2018[]

On November 8, 2018, it was announced that Avex and LDH JAPAN would establish their first joint venture company "HI&max Co., Ltd." (HI＆max 株式会社) for the business of selling goods and providing various services such as food and beverages at live concert venues.[6]

2020[]

In April 2020, LDH JAPAN and Korean cultural content investment venture capital firm TGCK Partners established the joint venture company "HIAN" for linked entertainment business between Japan and South Korea.[7][8][9][10]

2021[]

On June 29, it was announced that LDH JAPAN would launch the accident insurance service "LDH PROTECT" exclusively for fan club members.[11]

2022[]

On May 11, 2022, it was announced that LDH JAPAN and Thai music production label HIGH CLOUD ENTERTAINMENT had signed a partnership agreement with the aim of bringing entertainment from Asia to the world through cultural exchange between Japan and Thailand.[12][13][14][15] The partnership would be a collaboration between EXILE HIRO and F.HERO, founder of HIGH CLOUD ENTERTAINMENT and popular Thai rapper and producer, and would be supported by the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.[16]

On September 30, the company HAKUHODO transferred 100% of its shares in CRAFTAR Studio, a video production company and digital animation studio, to LDH JAPAN. At the same time, it was announced that the studio would become a new subsidiary of LDH JAPAN, change its name to "LDH DIGITAL" as of October 1, and plan to start services in the first half of 2023. The aim of the subsidiary would be to manage the development and activities of digital characters, produce animation works that utilize computer graphics and develope a "character-based platform" based on a design concept that focuses on "people".[17][18][19]

On November 1, it was announced that LDH JAPAN and the company W TOKYO, which plans and operates the event "Tokyo Girls Collection" (TGC), had formed a partnership to contribute to local communities and promote SDGs. Through this project, the two companies would aim to use TGC, which is held in various locations throughout Japan, as a venue for collaboration between dance and other forms of entertainment and local governments to enliven communities throughout Japan (starting with "TGC Wakayama 2023"). Specific initiatives would include (1) creating opportunities for people of all ages and genders to experience dance, (2) fostering the next generation through dance and creating opportunities to experience entertainment, and (3) "cooperation among everyone in the respective cities, W TOKYO, and LDH JAPAN".[20][21][22][23][24][25][26]

On December 26, it was announced that LDH JAPAN had established a limited liability partnership titled "North Culture 8" with the company UHB Hokkaido Bunka Hoso Inc. (Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting). They would jointly develop the business including the opening of restaurants produced by EXILE SHOKICHI and events.[27][28]

2023[]

On March 6, it was announced that LDH JAPAN and Fukui City had signed a regional revitalization partnership agreement. In addition to their existing efforts mainly in the fields of city promotion and food, they were planning to strengthen their partnership and cooperation in the areas of commerce, tourism, education, and culture.[29][30][31][32][33][34]

On March 20, 2023, it was announced that LDH JAPAN and Thai live production and management company 4NOLOGUE had signed a partnership agreement to strategically collaborate with the aim of boosting entertainment in Asia and disseminating it to the world.[35][36] According to 4NOLOGUE CEO Anuwat Wichiennarat, the partnership was initiated by F.HERO, who brought the two companies together. Wichiennarat had visited Japan in 2022 and was introduced to LDH JAPAN.[37][38][39]

In September, LDH JAPAN received "The Memorable Thailand-Japan Cultural Award" at the "NIPPON HAKU BANGKOK 2023", a special award in recognition of its achievements in connecting Japanese and Thai cultures and promoting the music scenes of the two countries.[40][41][42]

On September 8, the public relations director of the Japan Sumo Association (former Yokozuna Onokuni) announced that LDH JAPAN would offer prizes to Sekiwake Kotonowaka and other wrestlers during their matches at the autumn Grand Sumo Tournament (first day, September 10, at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo). According to the Sumo Association, it would be a rare case that a management office offered a prize.[43][44]

On September 25, it was announced that EXILE HIRO would return to the position of President and Representative Director of LDH JAPAN. In a statement released on LDH JAPAN's official website, EXILE HIRO explained that after the COVID-19 disaster, he thought about himself, LDH, and the future of LDH, and decided to return to the positions to take the lead in promoting the idea of "Circle of Dreams", the purse that represents the company's raison d'être. HIRO's return to the position of president would be formalized after an extraordinary shareholders' meeting scheduled for October 1 and a subsequent resolution by the board of directors.[45][46][47][48][49] Other prominent, newly appointed officials from the restructuring of the company included Miyahashi Keisuke as an outside director (already since March 27, 2023), Nagashima Etsuko as an outside director, Shindo Takafumi as a full-time auditor, Manago Yasushi as an external auditor, and Togari Toshikazu as an external auditor.[50]

On October 13, FC Imabari High School Satoyama (FCI), a private high school headed by OkadaTakeshi, former coach of Japan's national soccer team, and scheduled to open in April 2024 in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, announced its collaboration with LDH JAPAN as a "curriculum partner" in charge of classes within the curriculum. In addition, EXILE HIRO would serve as a lecturer of the "Historic Captaincy Training Course" and EXILE TETSUYA would be a special instructor of dance.[51][52][53][54]

On November 2, LDH JAPAN launched a new corporate website to provide information regarding their business ventures and social contribution activities.[55] With the launch, more details of the company's new corporate structure (implemented since October) were revealed. Regarding the board of directors; Mori Masataka, president of LDH JAPAN from January 2017 to October 2023, served as the new COO (chief operating officer), Seki Yoshihiro served as the new CRO (chief revenue officer), Matsumoto Koichiro served as the new CFO (chief financial officer). Additionally, Ito Kanji served as the new CMO (chief marketing officer), Mori Hirotaka served as the new Special Assignment CEO (chief executive officer), Iemura Masanori served as the new CLCO (chief live content officer), Suzuki Hiroyuki served as the new CHRO (chief human resource officer) and Noda Taishi served as as new Group Executive Officer.[56]

Overall, LDH JAPAN's departments under the new structure included management, sales, administration, music, fan communication, merchandising, live, international and expg.[57]

Furthermore, a new system for LDH JAPAN's affiliated group companies and subsidiaries was established, with them being classified as either "Major Group Companies" or "Affiliated Companies".[58] Some previous subsidiaries were dissolved and some new ones were introduced.

Major Group Companies
Affiliated Companies
  • ASOBIMO
  • HI&max
  • CyberLDH
  • LDH Bridal Produce
  • expg family, e.g. ETC DANCE SCHOOL
  • D.LEAGUE
  • HI-AX (Limited Liability Partnership)
  • SL Square (Limited Liability Partnership)
  • North Culture 8 (Limited Liability Partnership), e.g. Yagien Ballpark
  • LDH SHANGHAI, e.g. EXPG ENTERTAINMENT

A new change in LDH's corporate structure was the appointment of artist officers; i.e. artists beloning to LDH JAPAN taking on official positions within the company. As of October, seven artist officers were appointed, including EXILE AKIRA as Taiwan-based "LDH Ai Yume Etsu" representative director, president and CEO (chief executive officer), EXILE TETSUYA as "expg" representative director, president and CEO (chief executive officer), Tachibana Kenchi as LDH JAPAN social innovation officer, EXILE SHOKICHI as LDH JAPAN creative officer, EXILE NAOTO as LDH JAPAN creative officer, ØMI as LDH JAPAN creative officer and DJ DARUMA as LDH JAPAN creative officer.[59][60] EXILE AKIRA, EXILE SHOKICHI, EXILE NAOTO, ØMI and DJ DARUMA had previously been creative coordinators and producers for the iCON Z ~Dreams For Children~ audition.

Lastly, LDH also revealed a new global expansion strategy. Previously, the company aimed at initiatives in the United States, Europe, and Asia, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, established subsidiaries in New York, Los Angeles and the Netherlands as a foothold to enter the global market ("LDH ASIA", "LDH USA", "LDH EUROPE" and "LDH WORLD") were dissolved and the plans were changed. Starting in 2022, the focus of the global expansion would shift to Asia, particularly Southeast Asia (ASEAN). With Thailand as the base and starting point, LDH would plan to expand their activities to Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. A second major base would be Taiwan, with EXILE AKIRA taking the role of president of LDH Taiwan and transmitting LDH entertainment to Greater China. A key factor for this expansion would be exchanges with artists from other Asian countries.[61][62][63]

On November 13, it was announced that LDH JAPAN and real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan had signed a "Business Alliance Agreement on Initiatives to Support the Dreams of Children and Young People", with the goal of working together to promote measures to help children and youth realize their dreams, for example by utilizing commercial facilities owned and operated by Mitsui Fudosan. As the first step of this initiative, a music video of the first song by EXILE B HAPPY, a unit of EXILE TRIBE members, would be shot at Mitsui Shopping Park Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu in Tokyo. In the future, there would also be plans to open an EXPG STUDIO in the Minami-Funabashi area in Chiba Prefecture, where Mitsui Fudosan is promoting urban development.[64][65][66][67]

Management[]

A list of current and former artists, talents, actors, models, athletes and specialists managed by LDH JAPAN.

Main article: LDH/Management

Corporate Social Responsibility[]

Since its foundation, LDH, its artists, talents and staff have been involved in a variety of social community and welfare activities.

From April 23 to May 31, 2016 LDH raised money at live show venues of LDH artists, LDH owned shops and EXILE TRIBE STATION for Kumamoto Prefecture's "2016 Kumamoto Japan Earthquake Relief Fund". All in all, ¥1,224,726 was raised and donated.

In 2017, an official social contribution department of LDH JAPAN named "LDH Dreams For Children" was established in the wake of the company's world expansion plans.[3][21] The department manages different types of projects, such as projects sponsored by LDH, LDH assistance projects, collaborations with enterprises and local governments and others.

On August 1, 2018, the company started the project "LDH fundraising" to raise funds for people affected by the typhoon No.21 in 2018, the 2018 Hokkaido Eastern Iburi earthquake and the heavy rain that happened in July 2018 that were donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society.[68] Ever since, the project has been organized annually to raise funds for victims of natural disasters.

On March 10, 2021, LDH JAPAN started the charity donation project "Save Your Neighbor" in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic for the prevention of infectious diseases. As part of the project, "Save Your Neighbor" tin badges and charity masks were sold at the tour venues of their artists, EXILE TRIBE STATION stores and ONLINE SHOP, and a part of the proceeds was donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society to help the implementation of countermeasures against COVID-19 infections.[69][70] On October 19, 2021, it was announced that the donation amount from the sales period between March 10 and September 30, 2021 was ¥1,796,833.[71] On March 10, 2022, it was announced that the donation amount from the sales period between October 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022 was ¥473,474.[72] On September 7, 2022, it was announced that the donation amount from the sales period between March 1 and August 31, 2022 was ¥595,596.[73]

On October 25, 2022, LDH JAPAN received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Japanese Red Cross Society and the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare for the company's donations from the projects "LDH fundraising" and "Save Your Neighbor" to the Japanese Red Cross Society.[74]

On January 6, 2024, LDH JAPAN announced that it had decided to set up donation boxes to support the victims of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024 at LDH-sponsored live events, LDH-managed stores, EXPG STUDIO schools, and other locations. Donations received would be donated to the disaster-affected areas through the Japanese Red Cross Society.[75][76]

On January 12, 2024, LDH JAPAN announced that it had donated 50 million yen to the "Ishikawa Noto Peninsula Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund" to be used for relief and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, in addition to the donations through "LDH fundraising" conducted at different locations.[77][78]

Trivia[]

  • LDH already had 3 active girl groups with the names of LDH's acronym (Love, Dream and Happiness), but the duo Love disbanded in 2012, the group Dream disbanded in 2017 and the group Happiness disbanded in 2023.
  • As for their musical acts, LDH usually debuts artists that were selected through public auditions held by the agency. This particularly applies to singers/vocalists.
    • LDH also has a tradition of debuting artists / making groups with contestants who participated in their auditions but did not win.[79]
  • On August 1, 2023, LDH opened an official Newcomer Development Scout Instagram account to scout (scholarship) students for EXPG who want to become dancers, vocalists, actors and models.
  • LDH's philosophy, system and work environment is highly regarded by professionals over world, and one of the key factors why many of them decide to work with the company.[80]
    • Shaun Evaristo, who was appointed as the chief creative officer of EXPG LA, mentioned that he aspired to create an environment in the U.S. where dancers are recognized as artists, not just back-up dancers, like EXILE.[80]
    • DJ Afrojack, who was appointed as the CEO of LDH EUROPE, mentioned that LDH's system would also be needed in the Western music scene due to its good work environment for and protection of artists.[80]
  • According to LDH's founder EXILE HIRO, an important theme and basic concept of the company when creating entertainment is "Everyone plays a leading role".[81]
  • Overall, LDH artists place a lot of emphasis on live performances.[82]
  • LDH has a private gym at its headquarters where its artists (employees) train.[83]
  • The company's world expansion endeavours that started in 2017 were halted from 2020 onwards due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[84]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 EXILEら所属LDH、全面的組織改革で世界展開 日本・欧米・アジアに活動拠点
  2. ↑ 新体制LDH、三代目ベスト盤＆「HiGH & LOW」新作2作公開など発表
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/1651111
  4. ↑ EXPG Diary Vol.56
  5. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/eng/company/
  6. ↑ https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2123039/full/
  7. ↑ https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000074997.html
  8. ↑ https://natalie.mu/eiga/news/417893
  9. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/2457339
  10. ↑ https://www.tokyoheadline.com/539590/
  11. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/2648600
  12. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/news/detail.php?lang=eng&site=LDH&newsid=0000037992
  13. ↑ https://m.tribe-m.jp/news/detail?news_id=37991
  14. ↑ https://realsound.jp/2022/05/post-1036421.html
  15. ↑ https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202209090001434.html
  16. ↑ https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2234211/full/
  17. ↑ https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2254401/full/
  18. ↑ https://www.tokyoheadline.com/655651/
  19. ↑ https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUC194400Z11C22A0000000/
  20. ↑ https://www.tokyoheadline.com/657022/
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000480.000007466.html
  22. ↑ https://www.lmaga.jp/news/2022/11/543802/
  23. ↑ https://www.tokyoheadline.com/672203/
  24. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/3568639
  25. ↑ https://entamerush.jp/476077/
  26. ↑ https://www.lvtimes.net/travel/47711/
  27. ↑ https://realsound.jp/2022/12/post-1221726.html
  28. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/gourmet/detail/3527394
  29. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/news/detail.php?lang=eng&site=TRIBE&newsid=0000042360
  30. ↑ https://www.tokyoheadline.com/680212/
  31. ↑ https://www.thefirsttimes.jp/news/0000254069/
  32. ↑ https://www.city.fukui.lg.jp/fukuisi/mayor/photo/ph20230306.html
  33. ↑ https://www.fukuishimbun.co.jp/articles/-/1738928
  34. ↑ https://lp.p.pia.jp/article/news/265360/index.html?detail=true
  35. ↑ LDH JAPAN and Thailand's comprehensive entertainment company 4NOLOGUE signing a partnership agreement!!
  36. ↑ https://realsound.jp/2023/03/post-1285666.html
  37. ↑ https://www.tokyoheadline.com/683194/
  38. ↑ https://www.wws-channel.com/music2/407514.html?view=more
  39. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/music/detail/3661192
  40. ↑ https://hochi.news/articles/20230901-OHT1T51258.html?page=1
  41. ↑ https://www.sanspo.com/article/20230902-CTHSUCVXXRKX5ORH54DFLFT5UA/
  42. ↑ https://realsound.jp/2023/09/post-1424113_2.html
  43. ↑ https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2023/09/09/kiji/20230908s00041000742000c.html
  44. ↑ https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/202309110000043.html
  45. ↑ Announcement from EXILE HIRO
  46. ↑ https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2296071/full/
  47. ↑ https://natalie.mu/music/news/542358
  48. ↑ https://hochi.news/articles/20230925-OHT1T51049.html?page=1
  49. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/3967625
  50. ↑ https://www.news-postseven.com/archives/20231003_1909123.html/2
  51. ↑ https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2298513/full/
  52. ↑ https://www.thefirsttimes.jp/news/0000336660/
  53. ↑ https://www.tokyoheadline.com/717984/
  54. ↑ https://m.ex-m.jp/news/detail?news_id=44685
  55. ↑ https://ldh.inc/archives/141
  56. ↑ https://ldh.inc/corporate/directors
  57. ↑ https://ldh.inc/recruit/department
  58. ↑ https://ldh.inc/corporate/group
  59. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4034570
  60. ↑ https://ldh.inc/corporate/officers_message
  61. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4082447
  62. ↑ https://ldh.inc/business/global
  63. ↑ https://xtrend.nikkei.com/atcl/contents/18/00941/00002/
  64. ↑ https://natalie.mu/music/news/549009
  65. ↑ https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2302345/full/
  66. ↑ https://www.asahi.com/and/entertainment/424275711/
  67. ↑ https://encount.press/archives/541160/
  68. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/eng/info/notice/detail06.php
  69. ↑ https://www.ldh-liveschedule.jp/sys/save_your_neighbor/
  70. ↑ https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/276590
  71. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/news/detail.php?lang=eng&site=OFFICIAL&newsid=0000100061
  72. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/news/detail.php?lang=eng&site=OFFICIAL&newsid=0000100063
  73. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/eng/news/detail.php?lang=eng&site=OFFICIAL&newsid=0000100069
  74. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/news/detail.php?lang=eng&site=OFFICIAL&newsid=0000100070
  75. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/news/detail.php?lang=eng&site=OFFICIAL&newsid=0000100094
  76. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4135461
  77. ↑ https://www.ldh.co.jp/news/detail.php?lang=eng&site=OFFICIAL&newsid=0000100096
  78. ↑ https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/4144063
  79. ↑ https://hochi.news/articles/20220421-OHT1T51198.html
  80. ↑ 80.0 80.1 80.2 https://realsound.jp/2019/01/post-312393_2.html
  81. ↑ https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202403230000667.html
  82. ↑ https://www.billboard-japan.com/special/detail/4310
  83. ↑ https://jj-jj.net/lifestyle/168628/
  84. ↑ https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2024/02/18/kiji/20240218s00041000326000c.html

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