Nippon TV, Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment hub, announced Satoru Hiramatsu’s appointment as general manager of Global Content Business.
Hiramatsu, who until now worked in Nippon TV’s linear programming and streaming division, will report directly to Yuzo Kuwahara, COO and president of Content Business, and replaces Mikiko Nishiyama, who becomes Executive Advisor, Global Strategy Headquarters.
In his new role, Hiramatsu will oversee the global content sales and promotion team responsible for the success of the company’s internationally acclaimed formats, including Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank, Old Enough! and Mother. He will also continue to expand Nippon TV’s presence in the industry.
“Nippon TV is one of Japan’s leading content companies, with the longest track record among private television networks and consistently garnering the highest ratings in the country. Several of our formats, such as Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank, Old Enough!, and Mother, have already garnered international acclaim. However, Nippon TV still has a wealth of equally creative formats and ideas that have yet to be fully introduced to the world,” commented Hiramatsu.
“My goal is to promote these new IPs promptly and compellingly. The global content market is witnessing a growing wave of interest in Japanese-made content in anime and live-action formats. At Nippon TV, we aspire to play a key role in amplifying this wave, working closely with our global partners,” said the executive.
Hiramatsu began his career in Nippon TV’s news department, covering domestic and international news, including the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001 and the earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan in 2011.
He played a key role in launching News Zero, the Japanese commercial network’s most famous and popular nightly newscast, which he produced and helped turn into the continued success it is today.
After his time in the news, Hiramatsu moved to Nippon TV’s advertising sales and content marketing divisions. Before this new position as General Manager of Global Content Business, he was responsible for determining Nippon TV’s broadcast schedule in the programming division, including scheduling and launching new programs.
