One of Japanese pop's more restless stars has found a home. Jin Akanishi, who for nine years had an on-and-off relationship with J-pop group Kat-tun, has signed a contract for global representation as a solo artist with Warner Music Group.
The 26-year-old Akanishi becomes only the third Japanese performer to sign with U.S.-based WMG, following in the footsteps of 61-year-old legend Eikichi Yazawa and heavy-metal band Loudness, both of whom have since parted ways with the company.
The signing was announced in Tokyo on Dec. 9 by Lachie Rutherford, the president of Warner Music Asia Pacific and chairman and CEO of local subsidiary Warner Music Japan.