Upcoming event
Nordic Brands in Japan: Music, Media, and Market Strategies for Success
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18 February 2026 18:30 - 21:00
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Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store Tokyo
Learn how iconic Nordic companies Spotify, B&O, and SeenThis drive business growth, innovation, and customer engagement in Japan
Step inside the world of Spotify Japan, Bang & Olufsen Japan, and SeenThis to explore how these innovative Nordic brands are shaping the audio, media, and digital technology industries in Japan. Hear from industry leaders about how they navigate the local market, drive innovation, leverage technology, and connect meaningfully with audiences.
Tony Elison, Managing Director of Spotify Japan, and Martin Gordian, Market Director for Korea & Japan at Bang & Olufsen Japan, will discuss their companies’ marketing approaches, business strategies, and how cultural relevance, global brand strategy, and local adaptation intersect to drive brand growth. Per Wangel, Strategy Manager at SeenThis, will share how adaptive streaming technology can optimize digital advertising and enhance audience engagement.
Moderated by Yoichiro Tamada, Creative Director & CEO at YL Projects, the event will begin with brief company presentations, followed by a panel discussion. The evening will conclude with a networking reception, with beers generously provided by Mikkeller Japan—offering a relaxed setting to connect, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborations. With special courtesy to Carl Hansen & Søn Japan for their generous support and hospitality.
Speakers
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Tony Elison, Managing Director, Spotify Japan
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Martin Gordian, Market Director Korea & Japan, Bang & Olufsen Japan
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Per Wangel, Strategy Manager, SeenThis Japan
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Moderator: Yoichiro Tamada, Creative Director & Founder, YL Projects
Agenda
18:00–18:30 Registration
18:30–19:40 Opening Remarks: Keiko Inuzuka, President of Carl Hansen & Søn Japan
Company presentations
Moderated panel discussion
19:40–20:00 Q&A
20:00–21:00 Networking reception
Celebrating Milestones
This year marks two extraordinary milestones: Spotify Japan celebrates 10 years of transforming music streaming—connecting Japanese audiences with global soundscapes while elevating local artists worldwide. Bang & Olufsen commemorates over 100 years of pioneering design and audio excellence, blending Scandinavian craftsmanship with experiences that captivate and endure.
ABOUT THE MODERATOR
Yoichiro Tamada
Creative Director & Founder, YL Projects Yoichiro is the CEO and Creative Director of YL Projects, a global creative agency based in Tokyo. After gaining experience at a Japanese digital media agency, Yoichiro founded YL Projects in 2019 to build creative solutions that solve the communication challenges for both domestic and international brands.
His work spans creative direction, brand strategy, marketing, and communication strategy with a particular emphasis on building cross-cultural bridges.
Yoichiro has worked with leading organizations, including Bacardi Japan, Rakuten, JETRO, L’Oréal, and Mitsui Fudosan. His projects have received international recognition from The Webby Awards, AWWWARDS, and CSS Design Awards.
About Spotify
Spotify is the world’s leading audio-streaming platform, offering music, podcasts, and audiobooks through a freemium model that combines ad-supported and subscription services. The company differentiates itself through industry-leading personalization and discovery, driving high user engagement at global scale. By expanding beyond music into a broader audio ecosystem for creators and listeners, Spotify aims to deliver long-term growth and strengthen its position as the primary platform for digital audio worldwide. www.spotify.com
About Bang & Olufsen
Bang & Olufsen is a Danish high-end audio brand renowned for combining high-performance sound with iconic, design-led products. Positioned in the premium segment, the company focuses on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and immersive user experiences across speakers, headphones, and home entertainment systems. By leveraging its strong heritage, distinctive design language, and selective distribution, Bang & Olufsen aims to deliver sustainable growth while reinforcing its position as a global symbol of Scandinavian luxury and innovation. www.bang-olufsen.com/ja/jp
About SeenThis
SeenThis is a Swedish advertising technology company specializing in high-performance, sustainable video advertising. Its proprietary streaming technology enables fast-loading, high-quality video ads that significantly reduce data usage and carbon emissions while improving user experience. By helping brands and publishers deliver effective video campaigns with lower environmental impact and higher engagement, SeenThis positions itself as a leader at the intersection of ad performance, user experience, and digital sustainability. www.seenthis.co
ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS
The Danish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (DCCJ)
Established in 1990, aims to promote and enhance business development between Denmark and Japan by supporting the interests of our members and fostering a stronger bilateral business environment. We serve as a platform for Danish and Danish‑related companies to connect with potential business partners in Japan, providing networking opportunities, market information, and outreach activities. www.dccj.org
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCJ)
Established in 1992 to promote Sweden-related business in Japan. We actively support the Swedish business community by facilitating long-term business relationships and advocating Swedish industry, technology, and management culture. In addition, we work to improve the business environment for our member companies from Sweden, Japan, and other countries by promoting deregulation and harmonization within the Japanese market. www.sccj.org
YL Projects
Based in Tokyo, YL Projects is an award-winning global creative and marketing agency. Backed by a multilingual team and an international network of collaborators, YL Projects delivers bespoke creative solutions across branding, marketing, localization, design, production, communication strategy, and web development. Leveraging the global talent to tackle each client’s unique challenges, YL Projects crafts meaningful connections between brands and their audiences, designing experiences that transcend borders and resonate across cultures. www.ylprojects.com
Co-organized by: The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Japan, The Danish Chamber of Commerce in Japan and YL Projects
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Wednesday February 18th, 18:30 - 21:00
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Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store Tokyo
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Tokyo, Minato City, Kita-Aoyama, 3 Chome−5−12 1F
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4,000 JPY (SCCJ Members & Their Guests) 6,000 JPY (Non-members)
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4,000 JPY (SCCJ Members & Their Guests) 6,000 JPY (Non-members)
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This event will be held in English. Number of guests are limited and reserved on first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations and cancellations must be made by February 15, 2026. The reception will open at 18:00.