One of Japanese pop's more restless stars has found a home. Jin Akanishi, who for nine years had an on-and-off relationship with J-pop group Kat-tun, has signed a contract for global representation as a solo artist with Warner Music Group.
The 26-year-old Akanishi becomes only the third Japanese performer to sign with U.S.-based WMG, following in the footsteps of 61-year-old legend Eikichi Yazawa and heavy-metal band Loudness, both of whom have since parted ways with the company.
The signing was announced in Tokyo on Dec. 9 by Lachie Rutherford, the president of Warner Music Asia Pacific and chairman and CEO of local subsidiary Warner Music Japan.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.