Nebula17 Expands US Operations and Inks Deal With The Orchard

Nebula17, the Los Angeles-based music and creative company founded by former Avex USA CEO Naoki Osada, has expanded its executive team, publishing roster, label operations, and international initiatives, while announcing a distribution partnership with The Orchard.

Why it matters:

• The expansion grows Nebula17’s US operations while strengthening its cross-border work connecting Japanese and American artists, creators and audiences.

Leadership additions:

• Daniel Hong, former CEO of YG USA and COO of JYP USA, joins Nebula17 as Chief Operating Officer.

• Having worked with acts including BLACKPINK, Stray Kids and GIRLSET, he will collaborate with Osada on company strategy, operations and growth while leading the company’s international division.

• Martha Blair Reynolds joins as Senior Director of Marketing, having previously served at Ricky Reed’s Nice Life Recording Company.

• René Mark joins as Director of Digital, and brings experience managing campaigns for BTS, LE SSERAFIM, and Tinashe at Interscope Geffen A&M and Nice Life Recording Company.

• Natalie Walsh joins as Director of A&R after working with creatives such as Sabrina Claudio, Nasri, and Adam Messinger.

• Harukaze Wakabayashi joins as Senior Manager, International, from Warner Music Japan, where she worked on campaigns for PinkPantheress and Charli xcx.

• Zac Cruz joins as A&R/Marketing Manager following roles at Avex and Revels Group.

• Oscar Cornejo joins as Head Engineer, with credits including GRAMMY-winning work with Tyla and projects with Kanye West and Willow Smith.

Publishing additions:

• Nebula17 has added three creators to its US publishing roster.

• Producer, musician, and sound designer Oh Gosh Leotus has collaborated with Doechii, SZA, Ty Dolla $ign and more.

• Florida-born artist, songwriter and producer Hydra has credits with Sango, GoldLink and more.

• Producer Xansei is known for XG’s “SHOOTING STAR” and collaborations with NLE Choppa and Sabrina Claudio.

Label signings:

• Nebula17 has signed New York-based artist, producer, and musician Hojean, whose music has generated more than 260 million streams.

• XAMIYA, the duo of Xansei and Kamiya, has also joined the label, having previously appeared on Kesha’s “ATTENTION! feat. XAMIYA” and been selected for Spotify’s Fresh Finds 2026.

• San Diego-born alternative artist, producer and creative director Brent de la Cruz also joins the label, with recent placements in EA SPORTS FC 26, Hulu’s Chad Powers and Cara Delevingne’s Planet Sex.

Global partnership:

• Nebula17 has entered into a global distribution partnership with The Orchard, strengthening its global infrastructure and providing artists and partners in Japan with a direct pathway to US and international streaming platforms and audiences.

International expansion:

• The company is expanding its international business by leveraging its West Hollywood studio house as a hub for cross-border collaborations and writing camps that bring together leading Japanese artists and US creators.

• In partnership with Japanese entertainment company Dwango Nebula17 is leading A&R, marketing, and strategy for BEYOND BORDERS, a project featuring virtual singer Hatsune Miku, alongside leading Vocaloid producers.

• The company is also spearheading A&R initiatives for the US launch of BE:FIRST, one of Japan’s leading boy groups.

What they said:

• Daniel Hong, COO of Nebula17: “J-pop really feels ready for its moment out here – the production is incredible, the home fanbase is ride-or-die, and the sound is super fresh. Having seen K-pop grow from day one gives us a solid head start, but J-pop definitely moves at its own pace. What’s most exciting is working with artists who are massive stars back home, yet still have that genuine hunger to try new things and build something from scratch.”