AEG Presents has entered into a strategic partnership with Creativeman Productions, bringing together the global live entertainment company and one of Japan's leading concert promoters.
Announced on 11 August, the partnership is set to expand AEG Presents' presence in Japan while creating new opportunities for artists to reach audiences across the country. The collaboration will also provide a platform for AEG's ticketing company, AXS, to further expand across the region.
Founded in Tokyo in 1990, Creativeman has grown into one of Asia's most prominent independent live music promoters. Led by CEO Naoki Shimizu, the company promotes concerts and tours alongside a wide-ranging festival portfolio that includes Summer Sonic, Sonicmania, Punkspring, Greenroom Festival, Loud Park, Super Sonic, and Springroove.
"Over the past 37 years, Creativeman has grown from a company with just two staff members to become the largest independent music promoter in Asia," said Shimizu. "This strategic partnership with AEG Presents will propel our growth as we expand our festivals and artists from Japan to Asia and the rest of the world."
The announcement comes just ahead of Summer Sonic's 25th anniversary edition, which takes place from 14 to 16 August. First launched in 2000, the festival helped pioneer the multi-city festival format in Japan, bringing international and Japanese acts to Tokyo and Osaka.
Over the years, Summer Sonic has welcomed the likes of Radiohead, Oasis, Metallica, Linkin Park, Daft Punk, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. This year's edition is set to feature headliners including The Strokes, Jamiroquai, JENNIE, and David Byrne.
The festival has also expanded beyond Japan with Summer Sonic Bangkok, which debuted in Thailand in 2024.
According to Shimizu, the new partnership will connect Summer Sonic with AEG's international festival network, which includes Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in the US and BST Hyde Park in the UK.
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"The partnership will also connect Summer Sonic with a portfolio of world-class festivals and creates a network that joins Coachella in the US and BST Hyde Park in the UK, serving as a cornerstone for the music industry's continued growth," he added.
Shawn Trell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AEG Presents, described Creativeman as "an important presence in Japan and across the region".
"The company's vision and business strategy align perfectly with ours, and we're thrilled to be entering into this partnership together," said Trell. "Beyond Creativeman's thriving concert and festival business, Summer Sonic has become a globally recognised brand on its own. We can't wait to see what the future brings."
AEG Presents operates across five continents and is behind festivals including Coachella, Stagecoach, All Points East, Rock En Seine, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Its touring roster has included artists such as ATEEZ, Sabrina Carpenter, ENHYPEN, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift.
The partnership adds another major link between AEG Presents and Asia's growing live music market, while giving Creativeman a wider international network for its artists, concerts, and festival brands.
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