[NIPPON COLUMBIA] Still Active in the Music and Anisong Industry! What is NIPPON COLUMBIA, Now Gradually Expanding into Game Software Releases?

Nippon Columbia started in 1910 as “Nippon Chikuonki.” As its name suggests, the company initially manufactured and sold record players (phonographs). From its founding, it also began producing records, greatly contributing to the spread of music. In 1926, it partnered with Columbia UK, and the following year with Columbia US, delivering Columbia label records to the Japanese market. This international collaboration can be considered the origin of Nippon Columbia's global appeal.

In 1942, during the war, the government banned the use of English, forcing the company to change its name and label to “Nichiku Kogyo” and “Nichiku.” Nevertheless, it continued to pursue its passion for music, returning to its current name, “Nippon Columbia,” in 1946 after the war. This episode symbolizes a strong corporate spirit that never succumbs to adversity.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Nippon Columbia achieved remarkable success in the anime music industry. It notably supported the “Four Kings of Anisong” - Isao Sasaki, Ichiro Mizuki, Mitsuko Horie, and Kumiko Ōsugi—releasing numerous iconic anime theme and insert songs. It is no exaggeration to say that it laid the foundation of the anisong industry.

However, adapting to the diversification of anisong in the 1990s proved challenging, and the company faced a period of struggle. Even so, in the 2010s, it began actively supporting voice actor artists, taking on new challenges. Recently, it has regained prominence in the anisong market with the rise of the “Columbia Three Sisters” — Marika Kouno, Aguri Ōnishi, and Reina Kondō—and the transfer of Yui Ogura.

Nippon Columbia plays an important role not only in anime music but also in tokusatsu and game music. It produced soundtracks for the Super Sentai series and provided memorable music for the Showa-era Kamen Rider series. It also worked on parts of the Heisei Kamen Rider series, earning support from fans of various generations.

Additionally, it achieved great success with the music of “Cinderella Girls” in *The Idolmaster* series. Building on that experience, it is also focusing on the *Princess Connect!* series. In this way, Nippon Columbia continues to make its presence felt in the game music market.

Nippon Columbia's greatest appeal lies in its commitment to preserving its pre-war history and traditions as a music label while embracing new talents and markets. A long-established company that evolves with the times—this is the essence of Nippon Columbia.

Understanding the journey of this company, which has supported Japan's entertainment industry through both music and games, will make its works even more endearing. Expectations remain high for its continued innovation and challenges. Why not tune in to the future melodies crafted by Nippon Columbia?

Game software featuring music provided by Nippon Columbia is also being released! Here is NIPPON COLUMBIA's software lineup!