Pony Canyon USA arrives, and Kinnikuman returns
On Independence Day eve 2024, Japan gave talents to Los Angeles. They rode into town on horseback of sorts. The Pony Canyon press extravaganza took place at Japan House, the permanent Nipponese cultural hub that sits steps away from Dolby Theatre (a.k.a. the official Academy Awards venue). Under the halo effect of annual Oscar ceremonies, high level Pony Canyon co-workers — from overseas and otherwise — schmoozed entertainment journalists and potential Hollywood business partners. Did the aforementioned signal a scenario of foreshadowing, wishful thinking, or strategic planning on the part of this East Asian content and consumer product powerhouse? Perhaps it was a metaphorical bento box of it all, plus extra helpings of dessert.
The catered affair offered two forms of buffets: the live speaker line-up and the post press conference fusion food spread. Presentation highlights included a 58-year company (video) retrospective and pronouncements of near-future activations. Holding court at the podium, Pony Canyon USA Chief Strategy Officer Gabriel Bloch conjured vintage manga with one of the evening’s buzziest notices: the July 7 Netflix reincarnation of KINNIKUMAN. An onstage slide projection…
