Michi Iijima, Former SMAP Manager, Named HYBE JAPAN Executive Producer
The appointment brings a veteran architect of SMAP's multi-talent model into HYBE's Japan operation, signaling a deeper push to develop J-POP IP using local production expertise rather than direct K-pop transfer.
Reporting from 1 source: KAI-YOU.
Michi Iijima, the former manager of SMAP who helped build the group into a national idol phenomenon, has been appointed J-POP Executive Producer at HYBE JAPAN. She will continue her role at CULEN while working to create new entertainment originating from Japan. HYBE JAPAN cited her multi-talent model and content creation know-how as key to its Japan-specific strategy under HYBE 2.0. Iijima said she is convinced the future lies in fandom and will focus on fusing fandom with entertainment.
Michi Iijima, representative director of CULEN and manager of the former SMAP trio, has taken on a new role at HYBE JAPAN. She now holds the title of J-POP Executive Producer while continuing her management and production work at CULEN. HYBE JAPAN described her as the pioneer who established the multi-talent model in J-POP, expanding idols into drama, variety, and skits. The company plans to combine her production skills with its platform technology to accelerate new IP development. Iijima said she will devote herself to the fusion of fandom and entertainment.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.