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Pony Canyon's Commitment to Sustainability and Community Revitalization

Pony Canyon, established in 1966 and helmed by CEO Kazunari Okuma, has been leveraging its strength in entertainment to foster sustainable development through various initiatives. These efforts extend beyond just the creation of intellectual property (IP); they aim at revitalizing communities, preserving culture, and supporting educational programs.

Highlights of Recent Activities from March to July 2026

Creating Anime Sacred Sites: Turkey! in Chikuma City

Pony Canyon was involved in the production of the TV anime Turkey!, set in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture, which was selected as one of the 88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan (2026 Edition). In celebration, a Turkey! Original Art Exhibition was held from March 20 to May 10 at the vicinity of the iconic Obasute Station, featuring around 60 pieces, including scene cuts and original sketches that depicted the landscapes of Chikuma City.

Visitors were treated to an immersive experience, receiving exclusive stickers inspired by the show’s world. To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the anime's broadcast, a talk event featuring voice actors took place in Chikuma City on July 26. This led to a remarkable increase in visitors from outside the city compared to earlier events before the anime's premiere.

Addressing Regional Challenges: Partnership with Maizuru City

On March 24, Pony Canyon formed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Maizuru City in Kyoto Prefecture. This initiative harnesses the company's expertise in content development, marketing, and promotion to enhance branding efforts and to build a community that fosters interaction and influx of visitors to the city.

This groundbreaking initiative includes the first-ever interactive exchange program in the entertainment sector. Pony Canyon employees will serve as public relations advisors to Maizuru City, while city officials will be trained to improve their communication skills under this cooperation.

Cross-Industry Support for Disaster Recovery: ENT NEXT Baton

Pony Canyon collaborated with Amuse Inc., Avex Inc., and Sony Music Entertainment Japan in a sustainability initiative named ENT NEXT ACTION, which aimed to support areas affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rainfall. The project included creating flower candles from congratulatory flowers sent to live concerts, which were donated to Wajima City for its recovery efforts.

On-site, children from Tokyo and local children each produced 80 candles, which were lit during the Sakura Festival 2026, showcasing their hopes and aspirations for recovery. The action included two phases, the first being a workshop in Tokyo where children created candles, followed by a local event in Wajima City where children participated in a workshop and music live performance, bridging connections between the affected area and external communities.

The candles utilized the Rebloom Flower Project, managed by Sony Music and the Japan Sustainable Flower Association, effectively merging resource recycling with disaster support. The festival culminated in an emotional live performance enhanced by the candlelight, fostering a warm atmosphere where attendees united in their shared experiences of hope and community.

Regional Engagement and Community Vitalization: 桃源暗鬼 in Nerima

Pony Canyon also organized a talk event for the anime 桃源暗鬼 (Tōgen Dōki) at the Anime Project in Oizumi 2026, hosted by the Nerima Ward. The event not only promoted Oizumi, known as the birthplace of Japanese animation, but also aimed at revitalizing the community through collaboration with local businesses and organizations.

A special talk show featured the voice actor of the main character, Shiki Ichinose, and director Ato Nonaka, aimed at fostering local culture and stimulating community engagement. By leveraging popular IP, Pony Canyon aspires to stimulate local tourism, preserve anime culture for the next generation, and build a thriving community.

In conclusion, Pony Canyon remains committed to harnessing its creative prowess and networks to engage with local communities, promoting cultural preservation and regional revitalization. Their initiatives stand as a testament to the unique role entertainment plays in building a sustainable future.

For more information on Pony Canyon’s sustainability efforts, visit their official website at Pony Canyon Sustainable Business Group and Pony Canyon Sustainability Page.