Ken Watanabe of BUZZ GROUP to Appear on TOKYO MX's 'Sayonara Tatemae! Honest Summit' on June 17 – Discussing the Essence of Performers vs. Behind-the-Scenes Talent

Cast group photo (provided by the program)

Ken Watanabe, CEO of BUZZ GROUP Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ken Watanabe), has been confirmed as a guest on TOKYO MX's program "Sayonara Tatemae! Honest Summit ~When We Speak Honestly, This Happens~".

Broadcast Date: June 17, 2026 (Wed) at 26:00 JST (effectively June 18, 2:00 AM) Broadcast Station: TOKYO MX | MC: Saraba Seishun no Hikari

BUZZ GROUP operates 85 rental studios nationwide and is at the forefront of artist development, notably through its new boy group audition project "PROJECT B." In this episode, Watanabe will share his unique management philosophy derived from personal experience, centered on the theme "Which is more important: performers or behind-the-scenes staff?" The discussion will include insights into PROJECT B’s approach to serious artist development.

The guest lineup includes the chief producer of "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2," which launched INI, along with Japan's top composer, choreographer, and YouTube-based vocal coach—leading professionals from the 'behind-the-scenes' side of the industry. This must-watch discussion, featuring perspectives from both performers and creators, will address what the entertainment industry truly needs, drawing attention from industry insiders.

Program Details Here

【About BUZZ GROUP】

Centered on its nationwide network of 85 rental studios named "BUZZ," the company operates under the theme "Where Entertainment is Born," offering diversified services. It provides studio environments for dance, vocals, filming, and all forms of artistic activity, while also managing artists, producing music, choreography, and costumes.

"PROJECT B," launched in February 2026, is a major-label debut project that nurtures serious artists through an unprecedented support system—no age limits, salary compensation, and guaranteed appearances on terrestrial TV. Watanabe’s entrepreneurial philosophy behind this bold initiative will be revealed in this program.

【Guest Profiles】

◆ Ken Watanabe (CEO, BUZZ GROUP)

CEO of BUZZ GROUP, which operates multifaceted entertainment businesses centered on 85 "BUZZ" rental studios nationwide. Drawing from personal experience, he believes that the key to success in the entertainment industry lies in creating environments where performers can thrive while uniting the power of behind-the-scenes talent. He implements this philosophy in PROJECT B to cultivate the next generation of artists.

◆ Jang Hyukjin (Jang Hyukjin)

A producer formerly with South Korea’s CJ ENM. He served as Chief PD of "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2," overseeing the program and launching the debut group INI. He later held executive roles at LAPONE Entertainment as Director and Head of Business, leading strategic development and production, including overseas expansion for JO1 and INI. He actively works as a producer cultivating globally competitive artists across Japan and South Korea.

◆ KAITA (Choreographer)

A highly skilled choreographer who has worked with top artists such as JO1, INI,三代目 J SOUL BROTHERS, and King & Prince. He has collaborated internationally with artists like Chris Brown and BIGBANG. He participated as a dance trainer in "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN Shins世界" and won the inaugural championship in D.LEAGUE 20-21 as a member of avex ROYAL BRATS. As an instructor for PROJECT B, he trains dancers of all levels—from beginners to aspiring professionals.

◆ Carlos K (Composer)

A top-tier composer in the industry, having won the Japan Record Award four times (2016, 2020, 2022, 2025). He has created numerous hit songs at the forefront of the J-POP scene, including Kanon Wakeshima’s "Anata no Suki na Tokoro" (Record Award winner) and Little Glee Monster’s "Ashiato," performed at the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

◆ Oshira (Ryō Shiraishi, ShiraSuta)

A vocal coach and YouTuber. After graduating from Keio University, he worked at a vocal school in Tokyo, providing vocal lessons. In 2019, he became an independent vocal coach and launched the YouTube channel "ShiraSuta [Singing Improvement Committee]." *Channel subscribers: 2.19 million (as of June 2026)

His videos analyzing various singers’ techniques have gained popularity, leading to numerous collaborations with artists themselves.

He has served as a judge on many audition programs, including "Utakou ~Singing Skill Japan Championship~" (Nippon TV).

【This Episode’s Theme: "Who Matters More: Performers or Behind-the-Scenes Staff?"】

In the entertainment industry, the value of "stars (performers)" is often emphasized. But is that truly the case?

In this episode, Watanabe, standing at the frontline of artist development, will present his personal philosophy. Meanwhile, professionals such as choreographers, composers, and vocal coaches—key figures supporting the industry—will share their perspectives on their roles.

Rather than a simple binary of "performers vs. staff," the discussion will explore the honest truth: that the entertainment industry only functions when both sides come together.

【Program Information】

Program Name

Sayonara Tatemae! Honest Summit ~When We Speak Honestly, This Happens~

Broadcast Station

TOKYO MX

Broadcast Date

June 17, 2026 (Wed) at 26:00 JST (June 18, 2:00 AM)

MC

Saraba Seishun no Hikari

Guests

Ken Watanabe (BUZZ GROUP), Jang Hyukjin (LAPONE Entertainment), KAITA (Choreographer), Carlos K (Composer), Oshira (Vocal Coach)

Theme

Who Matters More: Performers or Behind-the-Scenes Staff?

Official Website

https://shojiki.tv/

YouTube Release

June 18 (Thu) 19:00 JST ~ https://www.youtube.com/@shojiki_summit

Watch Here

【About PROJECT B】

An audition project launched by BUZZ GROUP aiming for a major-label debut of a new boy group.

【Features of PROJECT B】

No Age Limit: Open to applicants from teens to over 40s, regardless of age

Salary Compensation (up to ¥300,000): Ensures financial stability so participants can focus on training

Priority Appearance on Terrestrial TV Auditions: Guaranteed national broadcast exposure

12 Prestigious Instructors: Direct coaching from industry-leading professionals in vocals, songwriting, rap, and dance

Japan’s Leading Studio Environment: Access to 85 BUZZ studio locations nationwide

Watanabe’s appearance on this program highlights that PROJECT B is not just an "audition," but a full-fledged "artist development project" embodying BUZZ GROUP’s management philosophy.

【Application & Details】 PROJECT B Official Website: https://proj-b.com/