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Ahead of TheTicketingBusiness ASIA in October, we spoke to Kaz Shimada, Chief Executive of entertainment technology company ZAIKO.
Having joined ZAIKO in September 2024 as chief operating officer, Shimada was promoted to CEO in April this year.
Shimada has a wealth of experience in the industry thanks to positions with Warner Music Japan, Universal Music Group and Amazon Music.
Here, Shimada discusses ZAIKO’s latest goals and projects…
What projects are you currently working on?
Kaz Shimada: “We are currently working on a live concert for one of the major Japanese artists [who cannot currently be named]. This showcases our capabilities to manage ticket sales operations in the local Hong Kong market. We are working closely with a local promoter and a venue operator.”
What are some of the trends you are experiencing in the region?
KS: “There is an increasing level of interest in Hong Kong about getting access to popular Japanese IPs, namely music, vTubers, anime, game and esports. Also, the trend of strong inbound tourism from China to Japan is continuing its momentum and it is expected to grow even further in the next two to three years.”
What is in the pipeline projects-wise?
KS: “There will be more shows with the Japanese artists and IPs that we are planning to sell tickets for in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, specific names are yet to be announced, so cannot be disclosed.”
What are you looking to discover at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2025?
KS: “We hope to meet and interact with many business partners and players in the entertainment field in Hong Kong, such as concert promoters, IP owners, management companies, venues and financing companies.”
Join Kas and hundreds of ticketing and events execs at TheTicketingBusiness ASIA 2025 #TAS25 from October 21-23.
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