Generator Insight x Mike Smith: Building Relationships in Japan

How the Northern Music Export Office is creating long-term opportunities.

For independent manager, label manager and promoter Mike Smith, taking part in the Northern Music Export Office's trade mission to Japan was an opportunity to explore a market with significant potential for the producers, mix engineers and songwriters he represents.

As an independent manager based in the North East, Mike joined the mission to gain a better understanding of the Japanese music industry, build relationships and explore opportunities to position his roster within the market.

"Japan has always felt like a market with huge potential for the kind of producers, mix engineers and songwriters I represent," says Mike. "The opportunity to visit as part of the Northern Music Export Office mission gave me the chance to better understand the Japanese market, build genuine, face-to-face relationships and learn how to position my roster within the Japanese market.

"As an independent manager based in the North East, opportunities like this are invaluable as they help bridge the gap between regional businesses and international markets that can otherwise feel difficult to access."

While the trip provided valuable insight into the Japanese music industry, Mike says the greatest benefit came from the relationships he was able to build.

"The most valuable aspect of the trip was the quality of the conversations and relationships that were built," he explains. "Rather than simply making contacts, I was able to have meaningful discussions with labels, publishers, managers and other industry professionals about future collaboration."

Attending the CUEW conference proved to be a particular highlight, bringing together delegates from Japan alongside representatives from Australia, China, Taiwan and across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

"It provided an opportunity to build relationships across multiple international markets in one place and gain a broader understanding of how opportunities can develop throughout the region," says Mike. "Those conversations have continued beyond the trip and have already led to working relationships around potential projects for my roster."

The experience also gave Mike greater confidence in presenting his business internationally and highlighted the importance of investing time in building trust within the Japanese market.

"Professionally, it gave me a much deeper understanding of how the Japanese music market operates and the importance of investing time in building trust," he says. "It also gave me confidence in presenting my business internationally and identifying where my roster can genuinely add value."

Alongside the professional benefits, the visit also reinforced why he began working in artist management.

"Personally, it was incredibly motivating. Meeting people who were passionate about music and open to international collaboration reminded me why I started managing in the first place. It broadened my perspective and left me feeling excited about long-term opportunities."

Looking back, Mike believes the impact of the trade mission is best measured not just by the number of meetings held, but by the relationships that continue to develop.

"The biggest measure of success wasn't the number of business cards collected, it was the fact that the conversations didn't end when the flight home did," he says. "I returned with a network of meaningful international relationships that continue to develop, giving both my business and the artists I represent a genuine pathway into one of the world's largest and most valuable music markets."

By opening doors to new markets and meaningful international connections, the Northern Music Export Office is helping Northern music businesses build relationships that can support long-term growth.