Mr. Toshiaki Muramatsu, Chairman of The Recording Industry Association of Japan, Receives Ranju Hosho Medal

In the Spring Reiwa 8 (2026) Honors, Mr. Toshiaki Muramatsu (Chairman of The Recording Industry Association of Japan, Representative Director and Chairman of Sony Music Entertainment Inc.) received the Ranju Hosho Medal (as of April 29). This award is in high recognition of his long-standing dedication to the development of Japan's record industry and the promotion of music culture.

Mr. Muramatsu has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry, including music, leading business expansion and cultural promotion. While deeply involved in revitalizing domestic and international music markets and establishing copyright systems, he recently spearheaded the establishment of the “Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA)” with the aim of revitalizing Japan’s arts and culture industry and strengthening collaboration within the music industry. As its director from its inception, he has been strongly promoting the international expansion of Japanese music.

At The Recording Industry Association of Japan, he has served as a director, vice chairman, and since Reiwa 3 (2021), as chairman, dedicating his efforts to the healthy development of the music distribution market and the promotion of rights protection. Additionally, he has actively proposed policies for establishing an appropriate distribution environment and resolving institutional issues in the digital age, significantly contributing to strengthening the foundation of the music industry.

Notably, the last recipient of the Ranju Hosho Medal among past chairmen of The Recording Industry Association of Japan was Mr. Hirofumi Shigemura in Spring Reiwa 4 (2022).

--- Comments on the Award ---

I am deeply grateful and honored to receive the Ranju Hosho Medal. I do not see this award as solely for myself, but rather as the fruit of the tireless efforts of the many stakeholders who have worked alongside me for the development of the music industry.

In recent years, Japanese music content has achieved an unprecedented presence in the global market. It is crucial for the future of the music industry to build a foundation where Japanese creativity can be maximized, while balancing an appropriate distribution environment with robust rights protection.

Moving forward, I will continue to dedicate myself to building an industrial foundation where artists and creators can pursue their dreams, and strive to spread the appeal of Japanese music worldwide, further enhancing the brilliance of Japanese culture through music.

Toshiaki Muramatsu