Songs by Elmo and Cookie Monster Return to Japanese Streaming: Music Catalog of "Sesame Street" Featuring Over 1,200 Tracks, Including Grammy Winners, Now Available

Universal Music LLC (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Hisashi Fujikura / hereinafter referred to as Universal Music), through its Partnership Business Division VMG, has begun distributing the music catalog of "Sesame Street," beloved worldwide for over 50 years, on major Japanese music streaming services starting Tuesday, June 30, 2026, based on an exclusive distribution agreement with Sesame Workshop for Japan.

This distribution will make "Sesame Street" related music, which was previously unavailable on Japanese digital music services, accessible on music streaming platforms.

"Sesame Street" began broadcasting in the U.S. in 1969 and is now enjoyed in over 190 countries and regions as a children's educational program. In Japan, it continues to be loved by children, with related segments broadcast on NHK E Tele. Characters such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Oscar have taught children the joy of learning words and numbers, as well as the importance of friendship, compassion, and inclusion.

The distributed catalog includes over 1,200 songs by popular characters, as well as collaborations with world-renowned artists such as Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Little Richard, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder. The catalog comprises numerous songs, including Grammy Award-winning works.

While cherished as a children's educational program, the music also evokes nostalgia for generations who grew up with "Sesame Street" through television and film. This distribution expands opportunities for people of all ages to experience its music.

Manabu Nagaoka Vice President, Japan Representative Sesame Workshop "For over 50 years, Sesame Street has delivered smiles, learning, and connection to children and families around the world through the power of music. We are delighted to be able to deliver our iconic song library, loved for many years, to the people of Japan together with VMG, Universal Music LLC's Partnership Business Division. We will continue to expand our activities in Japan in a fun and accessible way, creating new experiences that allow people of all ages to connect with our characters and enjoy our music in their daily lives."

Ichiro Tamaki Senior Executive Officer Universal Music LLC "We are very pleased to be able to deliver the music of "Sesame Street," loved worldwide for many years, to Japanese listeners once again. The songs by Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird are not only fun and educational for children but also evoke fond memories for parents who grew up with the show. Through this distribution by VMG, which has many global partners, we hope to provide an opportunity for a wide range of people in Japan to experience the music of "Sesame Street."

About Sesame Street

Sesame Street is a pioneering children's educational program that debuted in 1969 and is now broadcast in over 190 countries and regions. Created during the Civil Rights era by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, the show takes place in a vibrant urban setting and uses music, charming puppets, and animation to teach foundational pre-school skills, as well as messages of compassion, kindness, and inclusion. Beloved characters like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and Oscar are featured, and the program is highly regarded worldwide as a model for early childhood content through its meticulously researched educational content that fosters literacy, numeracy, social skills, and cultural understanding. Sesame Street is produced by the international non-profit organization Sesame Workshop.

About Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is a non-profit organization that operates globally, including through "Sesame Street." For over 50 years, it has combined education, media, and research to create fun experiences that enrich minds and hearts. With a mission to help all children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, it delivers quality education in over 190 countries and regions through beloved characters, programs, and community outreach activities that transcend generations.

Distribution Link

https://music.lnk.to/SesameStreet

Sesame Workshop HP: www.sesameworkshop.org, www.sesamestreetjapan.org

YouTube www.youtube.com/@SesameStreetJapan

X twitter.com/sesamejapan

Facebook facebook.com/SesameStreetJapan

Instagram instagram.com/sesamestreetjapan

About VMG: https://www.virginmusic.jp/

Leveraging its global infrastructure and localized expertise in major music markets worldwide, VMG (Virgin Music Group) provides flexible and efficient comprehensive solutions for independent music companies, artists, labels, and organizations holding proprietary IPs. Based on music distribution, VMG supports domestic and international expansion and growth opportunities by combining advanced marketing technology, promotion, and data analysis, contributing to the maximization of value and sustainable growth for artists, creators, and IP holders.