Gyokuro Studio: Producing Premium Content from Japan to the World

2025.06.02

Gyokuro Studio based in Tokyo is a newly established studio that aims to develop 10 unscripted titles each year, reaching a total of 100 titles over the next 10 years, with plans to distribute them to audiences worldwide. The studio will “co-create” not only with top in-house talent but also with leading external creators and production houses to deliver premium Japanese content to the world, crafted with the same care and distinction as the most prestigious Japanese tea, “Gyokuro.”

Kenichiro Akiyama, who has served in key roles such as Chief Producer of multiple prime time entertainment shows at Nippon TV has been appointed as the Head of Gyokuro Studio.

Quote from Kenichiro Akiyama, Head of Gyokuro Studio

"We are restructuring our production framework from a domestic-focused model to one designed for global rollout, accelerating the development of a robust foundation for creating content that resonates with audiences worldwide. We will actively engage in truly global co-creation with our production partners both in Japan and abroad, and together we will strive to generate new needs and value in the global entertainment market. We will continue to take on new challenges every day, aiming to build a strong and sustainable presence.”

Profile of Kenichiro Akiyama

After joining Nippon TV in 1996, he built a career of over 20 years in television production. He served as a director, producer, and chief producer on many of the network’s flagship programs, including The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!, Sukkiri, Ariyoshi no Kabe, The World’s Astonishing News, Shuichi, Another Sky, and 24-Hour Television.

He also produced a wide range of live events and business ventures derived from broadcast content —, such as Tarinai Futari, —showcasing his ability to expand storytelling across multiple platforms.

In June 2022, he was appointed President and CEO of Weekday Inc., a digital media company. Under his leadership, the company significantly grew its business by producing digital creatives for highend brands and collaborating with Nippon TV on special programming. He became Chairman of the company in June 2025.

He currently serves as the head of Gyokuro Studio, where he leads the global content strategy forNippon TV, driving the international expansion of its creative assets.