EMI Records Profile, History & Facts
Official Company Name: EMI Records
Former Names: EMI Records Japan, EMI Music Japan
Director: Okada Takeshi
Founding Date: October 1, 1960
Origin: Tokyo, Japan
EMI Records Japan Artists:
Groups:
THE ALFEE (1998–1999)
Debut Date: August 25, 1974
Status: Left EMI Records
Members: Sakurai Masaru, Sakazaki Kohnosuke, Takamizawa Toshihiko, Yoshida Taro, Tadasuke
Former Members: Miyake Yasuo, Hasegawa Kohji, Yamaishi Takayuki, Kikuchi Keisuke
Most Recent Release: “君が生きる意味 (The Meaning of Your Life)” (2022)
Other companies: Project III (1973–), Victor (1974–1975), Pony Canyon (1979–1997), Universal, Virgin Music
ELLEGARDEN (1998-2022)
Debut Date: May 23, 2001
Status: Left EMI Records
Members: Hosomi Takeshi, Ubukata Shinichi, Takada Yuichi, Takahashi Hirotaka
Most Recent Release: “The End of Yesterday” (2022)
Other companies: GROWING UP (1998-), Dynamord Label (2022-)
RADWIMPS (2005-)
Debut Date: May 3, 2003
Other Name: RAD
Status: Active
Members: Noda Yojiro, Takeda Yusuke
Former Members: Yamaguchi Satoshi, Kuwahara Akira, Hata Toshiki
Most Recent Release: “Dear Jubilee -RADWIMPS TRIBUTE-” (2025)
Other companies: NEWTRAXX (2003-2005), Don Manacca (2013-2020), Muzinto Records (2021-)
AKB48 (2023-)
Debut Date: December 8, 2005
Other Name: Akihabara48
Status: Active
Members: Iwatate Saho, Fukuoka Seina, Oguri Yui, Kuranoo Narumi, Shitao Miu, Takahashi Ayane, Nagano Serika, Hashimoto Haruna, Chiba Erii, Suzuki Kurumi, Taguchi Manaka, Nagatomo Ayami, Muto Orin, Yamauchi Mizuki, Omori Maho, Tokunaga Remi, Sakagawa Hiyuka, Ota Yuki, Sato Airi, Hashimoto Eriko, Hatakeyama Nozomi, Hirata Yuki, Hotei Moka, Masai Mayuu, Mizushima Miyuu, Yamazaki Sora, Akiyama Yuna, Arai Sae, Kudo Kasumi, Kubo Hinano, Sako Yumemi, Narita Kohina, Yagi Azuki, Yamaguchi Yui, Ito Momoka, Okumoto Kairi, Kawamura Yui, Shiratori Sari, Hanada Mei
Former Members: Yamabe Ayu, Yumoto Ami, Okada Rina, Yamada Kyoka, Yoshihashi Yuzuka, Saito Haruna, Mogi Shinobu, Otake Hitomi, Honda Hitomi, Asai Nanami, Shinozaki Ayana, Onishi Momoka, Ma Chia-Ling, Sasaki Yukari, Shimoguchi Hinana, Okabe Rin, Oda Erina, Kashiwagi Yuki, Gyoten Yurina, Taniguchi Megu, Sato Minami, Kurosu Haruka, Yamane Suzuha, Kohama Kokone, Komiyama Haruka, Murayama Yuiri
Most Recent Release: “Koko Kara da” (2025)
Other companies: Indies (2005-2006), DefSTAR Records (2006-2008), KING RECORDS (2008-2022), Universal Music Japan (2023-), DH
KARA (2010-)
Debut Date: March 29, 2007
Status: Active
Members: Seungyeon, Nicole, Jiyoung, Youngji
Former Members: Gyuri, Hara, Sunghee
Most Recent Release: “I Do I Do” (2024)
Other companies: DSP Media (2007–), Universal Sigma (2010–), RBW (2022–)
Girls’ Generation (2014-)
Debut Date: August 5, 2007
Other Names: SNSD, SoShi
Status: Active
Members: Taeyeon, Sunny, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung, Yoona, Seohyun
Former Member: Jessica
Most Recent Release: “열정 (My Everything)” (2025)
Other companies: SM Entertainment (2007–), Universal Music (2011–), Avex Group (2011–)
SHINee (2010-2017)
Debut Date: May 25, 2008
Status: Left EMI Records
Members: Onew, Key, Minho, Taemin
Former Member: Jonghyun
Most Recent Release: “Poet | Artist” (2025)
Other company: SM Entertainment (2008–)
T-ARA (2011-)
Debut Date: July 29, 2009
Status: Active
Members: Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin, Jiyeon
Former Members: Boram, Soyeon, Dani, Hana, Jiwon, Areum, Hwayoung
Most Recent Release: “Re:T-ARA” (2021)
Other company: MBK Entertainment (2009–2017)
Happiness (2008-2023)
Debut Date: February 9, 2011
Status: Disbanded
Members: SAYAKA, Kaede, Fujii Karen, MIYUU, Kawamoto Ruri
Former Members: Sugieda Mayu, MIMU, YURINO, Suda Anna
Most Recent Release: “Everything” (2022)
Other company: LDH JAPAN (2008-2023), UNIVERSAL SIGMA (2009-2012), NAYUTAWAVE RECORDS (2013), rhythm zone (2014-2023)
Apink (2014-2018)
Debut Date: April 19, 2011
Status: Left EMI Records
Members: Chorong, Bomi, Eunji, Namjoo, Hayoung
Former Members: Naeun, Yookyung
Most Recent Release: “Tap Clap” (2025)
Other companies: IST Entertainment (2011-2023), With US Entertainment (2025-)
SILENT SIREN (2017-)
Debut Date: February 8, 2012
Other Name: SaiSai
Status: Active
Members: Suu, Yukarun, Ainyan
Former Members: Hinanchu, Sougawa Ayana, Kubo Naoki
Most Recent Release: “棘にハチミツ (Toge ni Hachimitsu)” (2025)
Other companies: YOUTHFUL TUNE (2010-), PLATINUM PIXEL (2010-2017)
HKT48 (2011-)
Debut Date: March 20, 2013
Other Name: Hakata48
Status: Active
Members: Akiyoshi Yuka, Fuchigami Mai, Kurihara Sae, Yamauchi Yuna, Toyonaga Aki, Ishibashi Ibuki, Ichimura Airi, Kuriyama Rina, Takemoto Kurumi, Tanaka Iori, Ikuno Rina, Izawa Miyu, Ishimatsu Yuina, Ihara Hanna, Eguchi Kokoha, Ouchi Rinka, Oba Risaki, Kitagawa Hiiro, Shibui Mina, Tachibana Kokoro, Fukui Karen, Fujino Kokoha, Morisaki Saaya, Yasui Hina, Yanase Reia, Aoki Hinako, Ishii Ayane, Ishikawa Amiyu, Ijima Riria, Eura Yuka, Kure Yuna, Tsurukawa Nachi, Nakano Minami, Nagano Rara, Matsunaga Yui, Matsumoto Moka, Yamakawa Maria, Yoshida Mei, Ryuto Ayane, Imamura Maria
Former Members: Anai Chihiro, Abe Kyoka, Imada Mina, Ueki Nao, Eto Sayaka, Kumazawa Serina, Kodama Haruka, Komori Yui, Shimono Yuki, Sugamoto Yuko, Tanaka Natsumi, Taniguchi Airi, Nakanishi Ayaka, Nakanishi Chiyori, Fukagawa Maiko, Matsuoka Natsumi, Miyawaki Sakura, Murashige Anna, Motomura Aoi, Moriyasu Madoka, Wakatabe Haruka, Ito Raira, Inoue Yuriya, Iwahana Shino, Ui Mashiro, Ueno Haruka, Umemoto Izumi, Okada Kanna, Okamoto Naoko, Kusaba Manami, Kojina Yui, Goto Izumi, Komada Hiroka, Sakaguchi Riko, Tashima Meru, Tanaka Yuka, Tani Marika, Tomiyoshi Asuka, Tomonaga Mio, Yamada Marina, Aramaki Misaki, Sakamoto Erena, Tanaka Miku, Tsutsui Riko, Hokazono Hazuki, Yabuki Nako, Yamashita Emiri, Unjo Hirona, Oda Ayaka, Otoshima Risa, Sakai Moeka, Shimizu Rio, Takeda Tomoka, Jitoe Nene, Tsukiashi Amane, Matsumoto Hinata, Miyazaki Sono, Ogawa Sana, Kamijima Kaede, Kawahira Hijiri, Kudo Haruka, Goto Hinano, Sakamoto Rino, Nagano Miyabi, Mizukami Rimika, Murakami Wakana, Kawashima Yuna, Matsumoto Urara, Mogami Nanaka, Katahira Sara, Tsutsumi Fuka, Yamamoto Mao, Matsuoka Hana, Murakawa Bibian, Ito Yueru, Seki Ai, Baba Sayaka, Matsuda Yumi, Watanabe Akari, Sashihara Rino, Ota Aika, Kimoto Kanon
Most Recent Release: “半袖天使 (Short-sleeved Angel)” (2025)
Other company: Mercury Tokyo (2011-)
Mrs. GREEN APPLE (2015-)
Debut Date: February 4, 2014
Status: Active
Members: Ohmori Motoki, Wakai Hirotom, Fujisawa Ryoka
Former Members: Matsuo Takumi, Yamanaka Ayaka, Takano Kiyokatsu
Most Recent Release: “GOOD DAY” (2025)
Other companies: ProBabLy RecOrds (2015), THEATRE ACADEMY (2015-)
NGT48 (2020-)
Debut Date: April 12, 2017
Other Name: Niigata48
Status: Active
Members: Seiji Reina, Otsuka Nanami, Mimura Hino, Isobe Rua, Kita Hanae, Kitamura Yuha, Kimoto Yuna, Suizu Natsuki, Sugimoto Moe, Isozaki Nana, Okumura Momoka, Kimoto Anna, Sato Hiroka, Shinzawa Aoi, Takashima Yua, Nishikawa Haruna, Hara Ayumi, Azama Yui, Adachi Yume, Omachi Yuka, Kai Mizuki, Kitazawa Mone, Sato Yuka, Suto Rinka, Taniguchi Haruka, Tsujita Tokine, Nakata Asami, Minagawa Hiyori, Nishigata Marina, Sato Kairi
Former Members: Otaki Yuria, Oguma Tsugumi, Kado Yuria, Kato Minami, Kusakabe Aina, Sato Anju, Sugahara Riko, Takakura Moeka, Takahashi Mau, Tano Ayaka, Nakai Rika, Nakamura Ayuka, Nara Miharu, Nishimura Nanako, Hasegawa Rena, Homma Hinata, Mizusawa Ayaka, Miyajima Aya, Murakumo Fuka, Yamaguchi Maho, Yamada Noe, Ogoe Haruka, Kawagoe Saaya, Komiyama Sara, Sogabe Yume, Takazawa Tomoka, Terada Hina, Tominaga Yu, Hagiri Runa, Furusawa Mana, Furutate Aoi, Mashimo Kaho, Morohashi Hinata, Yamazaki Mirii, Watanabe Ayusa, Arai Ririno, Shibano Yuki, Suzuki Ririka, Nakajima Hikari, Hase Sumomo, Minamikawa Haruka, Aso Juna, Otake Koma, Sekinoyama Nagi, Matsuzaka Saho, Yoshihara Merii, Ogino Yuka, Ando Chikana, Takahashi Nanami, Tsushima Yunako, Fujisaki Miyu, Kitahara Rie, Kashiwagi Yuki
Most Recent Release: “希望列車 (Hope Train)” (2025)
Other company: Flora (2015-)
Zutto Mayonaka de ii No Ni. (2018–)
Debut Date: August 30, 2018
Other Names: ZUTOMAYO, ZTMY
Status: Active
Members: ACA-Ne, Open Reel Ensemble, Waboku
Most Recent Release: “形 (Pain Give Form)” (2025)
IZ*ONE (2019-2021)
Debut Date: October 29, 2018
Status: Disbanded
Members: Eunbi, Sakura, Hyewon, Yena, Chaeyeon, Chaewon, Minju, Nako, Hitomi, Yuri, Yujin, Wonyoung
Most Recent Release: “3!4!” (2021)
Other companies: CJ E&M (2018), Pledis Entertainment (2018), Off The Record Entertainment (2018–2021), Vernalossom (2018–2021), EMI Records (2019-2021)
LE SSERAFIM (2022-)
Debut Date: May 2, 2022
Status: Active
Members: Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Hong Eunchae
Former Member: Kim Garam
Most Recent Release: “Spaghetti (Bon Appétit Remixes)” (2025)
Other companies: Source Music (2022–), Geffen Records (2023–)
Soloists:
Matsutoya Yumi (1972-)
Debut Date: November 5, 1972
Status: Active
Most Recent Release: “Wormhole / Yumi AraI” (2025)
Eikichi Yazawa (1987-1990s)
Debut Date: September 21, 1975
Status: Left EMI Records
Groups: The Base (late 1960s), E-Set (late 1960s), Yamato (late 1960s-1972), Carol (1972–1975), Z’s (2013–2016), NOBODY
Most Recent Release: “STANDARD ~THE BALLAD BEST~” (2020)
Other companies: CBS Sony (1975–1980), Warner Pioneer (1980–1987), Garuru Records (2008-), Z+ MUSIC
Masayoshi Takanaka (1985-2000)
Debut Date: July 1, 1976
Status: Left EMI Records
Groups: The Evil (1970), Brush!? (1971), Flied Egg (1971-1972), The Sadistic Mika Band (1972–1975), The Sadistics (1975-1976), Bacco (1979)
Most Recent Release: “Takanaka Super Live 2025 BLACK SHIP in LA” (2025)
Other companies: Kitty Records (1971-1984), Lagoon Records (2000-)
Kingo Hamada (1985-)
Debut Date: January 21, 1980
Status: Active
Groups: Craft (1974-1980), Sha-Sisters
Most Recent Release: “Midnight Cruisin’” (2025)
Other companies: Air Records (1980-1981), Alfa Moon (1982-1983)
Matsuda Seiko (2015-)
Debut Date: April 1, 1980
Status: Active
Group: The Sundays (1980)
Most Recent Release: “永遠の青春、あなたがそこにいたから。〜45th Anniversary Tribute to SEIKO MATSUDA〜 (Eternal Youth, Because You Were There. ~45th Anniversary Tribute to SEIKO MATSUDA~)” (2025)
Other companies: Kitty MME (1996-2001), Sony Music Japan (1980–2014), Universal Music Japan (2009-)
Yakushimaru Hiroko (1984-1987)
Debut Date: December 19, 1981
Status: Left EMI Records
Group: Kadokawa Sannin-musume (1978–1981)
Most Recent Release: “Hiroko Yakushimaru 2023 Concert (Live at Tokyo International Forum Hall A on October 26, 2023)” (2024)
Other companies: Kitty Records (1981-1984), BMG Funhouse (1998–2000), Victor Entertainment Japan (2018–)
Lisa Ono (1996–2006)
Debut Date: October 21, 1989
Status: Left EMI Records
Most Recent Release: “Lisa Onds!!” (2021)
Other companies: MIDI Incorporated (1989–1990), BMG (1990–1996), Avex Trax (2006–2011), Dois Irmaos (2006–2011), Dreamusic Incorporated (2011–)
Oguro Maki (2001-2010)
Debut Date: June 24, 1992
Status: Left EMI Records
Groups: Maki Ohguro and Friends (2003–2007), DaiKichi (2010)
Most Recent Release: “55 Black” (2025)
Other companies: being Inc. (1989-), B ZONE GROUP (1989-), B-Gram RECORDS (1992-1999), Sunny Side Up (2001-2015), CAM Entertainment (2009–2010), 32Records (2010), avex entertainment (2010)
Sheena Ringo (1998-)
Debut Date: May 27, 1998
Status: Active
Group: Tokyo Jihen (2003-)
Most Recent Release: “放生会 (Carnival)” (2025)
AI (2011-)
Debut Date: November 22, 2000
Status: Active
Group: SX4 (1999-2000)
Most Recent Release: “RESPECT ALL” (2023)
Other companies: BMG Japan (2000-2002), RCA Records (2000-2002), Def Jam Japan (2002-2011), Universal Sigma (2004-2011), ISLAND Records (2004-2011), Def Jam Recordings (2016-)
Che’Nelle (2005–2010)
Debut Date: August 22, 2007
Status: Left EMI Records
Most Recent Release: “Everybody” (2025)
Other companies: Virgin Records (2005-2017), Universal Music Group (2007-2017), Capitol Records, Mr. 305 Inc., Monstercat (2018), Uncaged (2018), Delicious Deli, Avex Trax (2023-)
IU (2011-)
Debut Date: September 18, 2008
Status: Active
Most Recent Release: “바이, 썸머 (Bye, Summer)” (2025)
Other companies: Good Entertainment (2007), FAVE Entertainment (2012–2018), Kakao M (2007–2020), Gold Typhoon (2015–), EDAM Entertainment (2020–)
Hanae (2011-2013)
Debut Date: June 1, 2011
Status: Left EMI Records
Most Recent Release: “SHOW GIRL” (2016)
Other companies: Virgin Music (2014-2016), Ken-On (2016-)
Akanishi Jin (2014-)
Debut Date: November 8, 2011
Status: Inactive
Groups: KAT-TUN (2001-2009), LANDS (2009-2010), JINTAKA (2016)
Most Recent Release: “Yellow Note” (2023)
Other companies: Johnny’s Entertainment (1998-2014), Warner Music Group (2010-), Go Good Records (2014), J-One Records
Takahashi Minami (2005-)
Debut Date: April 3, 2013
Status: Inactive
Groups: AKB48 (2005-2016)
Most Recent Release: “孤独は傷付かない (Kodoku wa Kizutsukanai)” (2017)
Other companies: office48 (2005-2007), Ogi Pro (2007-2021), Mama&Son (2021-)
Inoue Sonoko (2015-)
Debut Date: June 10, 2015
Status: Active
Most Recent Release: “078” (2024)
Other companies: Tsubasa Plus, Tsubasa Records/SPACE SHOWER MUSIC (2013-2015)
Mori Calliope (2021-)
Debut Date: April 4, 2021
Status: Active
Groups: HoloMyth (2020-)
Most Recent Release: “PHANTOMIME” (2024)
Other companies: Hololive (2021-)
Shigure Ui (2019-)
Debut Date: May 25, 2022
Status: Active
Most Recent Release: “fiction” (2024)
made by kiiii_r_a
Are you a fan of EMI Records Japan and its artists? Who is your favorite EMI Records Japan artist? Did I miss any artist? Feel free to comment below!🙂
