Pony Canyon is a Japanese entertainment company known for its wide range of ventures in music, film, and even games. In this article, we’ll delve into their rich history and what sets them apart from other companies.

Pony Canyon's history began in 1966 as Nippon Broadcasting Enterprise Co., Ltd. Initially focused on selling music tapes, they changed their name to Pony Inc. in 1970. Later, they established Canyon Records Inc. to enter the music software industry. These two companies merged in 1987, creating what we now know as Pony Canyon Inc.

From the very beginning, Pony Canyon has been more than just a seller of products—they’ve helped shape culture. A standout example is the massive hit “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun,” which was so popular it even led to the construction of the “Taiyaki Building” due to its success.

But Pony Canyon’s strengths aren’t limited to music. They’ve also made significant strides in the production and sale of video content, not just for their parent company, Fuji TV, but for programs from other networks as well. This flexible media strategy has cemented Pony Canyon’s unique position in the industry.

Additionally, in the 1980s, they entered the gaming market by selling Family Computer (Famicom) titles, further establishing their presence as a company well-versed in all areas of entertainment. They weren’t just a “music company” or a “video company,” but one that fearlessly ventured into the emerging world of gaming.

You also can’t overlook Pony Canyon’s subsidiary, Pony Canyon Artists, especially its voice actor division, Swallow, which represents many popular voice actors. These talents appear across various media, including anime, games, and films. Pony Canyon’s unique ability to unite artists and voice actors with the company to promote the industry is one of its standout features.

Pony Canyon is also a full member of the Japan Video Software Association (JVA) and the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), and has even produced chairpersons for both organizations. This is a testament to their credibility and influence within the industry.

Moreover, Pony Canyon is one of the largest independent record companies in the world, unaffiliated with Western major companies. This independence allows them creative freedom and the ability to consistently introduce new ideas to the industry.

Pony Canyon has supported Japan’s entertainment industry through music, video, and games. Their history is marked by continuous change and bold challenges, always staying at the forefront of the times. This commitment has earned them the love of fans and creators alike.

Without a doubt, they will continue to introduce new content and artists to the world.