Handcraft Entertainment Secures $1M Investment to Take J-Pop Global
Handcraft Entertainment has secured $1 million in funding to expand J-pop's global presence, led by multi-platinum producer and six-time Japan Gold Disc Award winner Michael Africk.
Photo Credit: Handcraft Entertainment
The company combines top-tier production talent, including Grammy-nominated producer Louis Bell (Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber), with strategic marketing to facilitate J-pop's international crossover success.
Notable achievements include:
- Billboard placements in Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing
- Performances at Saitama Super Arena and LA's Dodger Stadium
- Singles reaching No. 2 on Usen charts and Top 50 on US radio
- Global releases through Virgin Records and B-Zone Japan
Key artists under Handcraft include:
- Hana Kuro: Rising star with millions of social media views, preparing for debut single "Be Romantic"
- Anna Aya: Musical artist and fashion model featured by Dior, Chanel, Ferragamo, and Valentino
Notable investors include:
- Daniel Weinand (Shopify founder)
- Phil Hellmuth (professional poker player)
- Jeff Assaf (ICG Advisors)
- Owen Grover (former EVP iHeartMedia)
The company is actively pursuing its next funding round to accelerate content production, expand artist collaborations, and establish presence in key markets worldwide. With Japan being the second-largest music market globally, Handcraft Entertainment aims to replicate K-pop's international success with J-pop.
"We believe the time is now for J-pop to take its rightful place on the global stage," says CEO Michael Africk. "With the backing of an incredible group of investors, we are building the infrastructure to make J-pop a dominant force beyond Japan — something that has never been done before at this scale."