THINKR Opens THINKR AUDITION 2026 With New Studio Structure
The audition is the first public event to combine KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO's established virtual artist pipeline with the newly created KYOKAI STUDIO and UNKNOWN LAB, making the October selection a direct test of how the reorganized studio structure recruits across both virtual and real artist tracks.
Key Facts
- THINKR announced THINKR AUDITION 2026 on September 5, with applications open from October 5 to December 8, 2026.
- The audition covers four areas: KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO, ALLT STUDIO, KYOKAI STUDIO, and UNKNOWN LAB.
- Recruitment has two categories: Virtual Artist Category and the newly implemented Real Artist Category.
- Applicants may apply to only one category and must not hold an exclusive contract with a production company or record label.
- KYOKAI STUDIO and UNKNOWN LAB were spun off from KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO in the restructuring announced the same day.
Reporting from 1 source: PANORA.
THINKR announced on September 5 that it will hold THINKR AUDITION 2026, a joint recruitment drive spanning four in-house areas, with applications opening October 5. The audition follows a studio restructuring announced the same day, in which THINKR spun off KYOKAI STUDIO and UNKNOWN LAB from KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO. The two new studios join KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO and ALLT STUDIO in selecting candidates for the audition. Recruitment runs in two categories: a Virtual Artist Category, which THINKR describes as the fourth such audition led by KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO, and a Real Artist Category, newly implemented with ALLT STUDIO and the two new studios. Applicants face no age or gender restrictions, and any nationality may apply if residing in Japan, provided they hold no exclusive contract with a production company or record label. Minors need parental consent. The application period runs from October 5 to December 8, 2026, and each applicant may enter only one category. Selection involves members from all four areas, including KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO executive producer PIEDPIPER, who will form new artist projects and offer tailored activity plans such as music production and lessons.
THINKR's restructuring, also announced on September 5, converts KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO into a studio focused specifically on virtual artist business, a shift from the broader production role it held since its 2019 founding. KYOKAI STUDIO now houses the real artists and creators who previously belonged to KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO, pursuing what THINKR calls solid and free music centered on the artists' own conceptual activities. UNKNOWN LAB operates as an experimental team led by PIEDPIPER, tasked with researching and developing what the company terms the next drama through inhabitable story worlds.
The audition's Real Artist Category is the first to involve ALLT STUDIO alongside the two new entities, while the Virtual Artist Category continues KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO's prior editions. THINKR lists no upper age limit and permits any nationality residing in Japan. Outstanding applicants receive support plans built around their individuality, including music production and debut lessons. Further details are scheduled for release on the official THINKR AUDITION 2026 X account.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.