Vantan Music Academy POWERED BY Universal Music Holds Pre-Opening Event

Vantan Co., Ltd., which aims to create "the world's most school-like school connected to society" and provides practical education by active professionals, and Universal Music LLC, the Japanese subsidiary of Universal Music Group, a global music company operating in 60 countries and regions, have partnered to launch "Vantan Music Academy POWERED BY Universal Music" in April 2026. A pre-opening event for the academy was held on March 29, 2026 (Sunday) at the new Tokyo campus.

With enrollment plans exceeding the initial target by 130% in Tokyo and Osaka combined, anticipation for this school is high. The appointment of 66 active professionals as instructors has been confirmed.

The event featured Tomoyasu Hotei, who has been appointed as Special Advisor. In addition to a talk session where he answered questions from prospective students, a signed guitar was presented to commemorate the opening.

■ Event Overview

Event Name: Vantan Music Academy POWERED BY Universal Music Pre-Opening Event

Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 13:00~

Venue: Vantan Music Academy Tokyo Campus (Gotanda Flatiron Building 3F, 7-25-9 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo)

Speakers: Special Advisor Tomoyasu Hotei, 4 prospective students

Content: Talk Session, Signed Guitar Presentation Ceremony

■ Candid Talk Session with Prospective Students

Four prospective students participated in the talk session. Each asked questions to Mr. Hotei, a leading figure in the industry, regarding concerns about music production and anxieties about the future.

In response to the question, "What do music and artists who are highly evaluated by many people have in common?" Mr. Hotei stated, "It becomes difficult when you try to make music for the sake of evaluation. When your pure feelings for music reach people, it transforms into evaluation. More importantly, it's about finding moments to 'connect' with someone." Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasized the importance of not being overly concerned with evaluation, saying, "There's nervousness about whether people will enjoy it, but without being bound by that, I want you to cherish the vibration of enjoying it yourself first."

To the question, "In an era where you can make music even with self-study, what is the value of learning at a school?" he reflected on his own encounters with the piano and guitar, his roots, and said, "Instead of being confined to your own world, listening to feedback from others and observing the processes of your peers broadens your perspective on music. The presence of your peers shapes you." He thus advocated for the significance of learning within a community.

Furthermore, in response to the question unique to the digital age, "In an era where AI can also create songs, where does the value of an artist lie?" he asserted, "AI is a convenient tool, but if you rely on it entirely, you lose the differences between individuals. The 'sparkle' that the creator grasps through struggle and doubt – why that melody or those words are there – is crucial, and that is something AI cannot imitate." He added, "How to use AI as a tool itself becomes each person's individuality. I look forward to seeing what kind of creations you will make while utilizing new tools," expressing his anticipation for the next generation of expression.

Finally, when asked about the mindset he always cherishes in his numerous musical activities, he replied, "First, enjoy it. The 'pleasure principle,' where your heart honestly reacts, is the manifestation of your own identity." He continued, "Don't stop at your current situation, open the next door and try something completely different..."