MTV 81 To Showcase Japanese Pop Culture To A Global Audience

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a unit of Viacom Inc on WEdnesday announced the international launch of MTV 81 (www.mtv81.com), an English-language advertiser-supported digital platform, designed to showcase Japanese artists and pop culture to international audiences. MTV 81 – with ‘81’ referencing to the international calling code for Japan – offers original content including live performances, artist profiles, news and interviews with those shaping Japanese pop culture and trends. Ji Hee Nam, Vice President of Digital for Viacom International Media Networks Asia said: “MTV 81 was designed to provide a curated connection to Japanese pop culture for audiences all over the world. MTV’s insights and editorial expertise can cast a bright spotlight on the artists and influencers who are shaping the Japanese pop culture landscape and take it out to a wider, global audience. “2012 has been a watershed year for Asian music, and Japan has often been cited as a hotbed for creative inspiration. We see MTV 81 as a way for Japanese artists to develop a stronger and more passionate global following and broaden their international fan base." Targeting 18-34 year-olds worldwide, MTV 81 will leverage MTV Japan’s connection to music, fashion and pop culture whilst offering an internationally focused insider point of view on what is shaping the pop culture landscape in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and other cultural hot spots. To celebrate the official launch, MTV 81 will feature an exclusive interview with Isao Tomita, the 80 year-old composer considered to be the father of Japanese electronic music. Tomita’s latest work, “Symphony Ihatov,” debuted this month at Tokyo Opera City and featured Hatsune Miku, the immensely popular computer-generated avatar from Yamaha’s singing-synthesizer software programme, Vocaloid Hatsune Miku performed alongside the 300-member Japan Philharmonic Orchestra at the sold-out concert, and Tomita talks to MTV 81 about staging his latest work, using the latest music technology in an orchestral environment, and how the world of author Kenji Miyazawa inspired the symphony. MTV 81 was created in collaboration and partnership with Dentsu Inc, the largest advertising agency in Japan. -- BERNAMA