The CEO Of Japanese Idol Agency TOBE Raises Eyebrows After Mentioning A “Trick” To Getting More Streams

Recently, a CEO of a famous Japanese idol agency raised eyebrows after mentioning a unique way to increase music platform streaming numbers.

On July 31, Hideaki Takizawa, also known professionally as Tackey, held a live session on a social network service to announce plans for his agency’s aim for global expansion.

Hideaki Takizawa

TOBE is a talent agency founded by Hideaki Takizawa in March of this year, housing famous Japanese singers such as Ken Miyake, Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and IMP.

Japanese idol group IMP | TOBE

During the live session, Hideaki Takizawa talked about TOBE’s future endeavors, building up fans’ anticipation. He explained that they are producing music to reach not just Japan but the global market. However, the CEO mentioned an unusual way to place their artists’ songs in high chart rankings—to listen to them while sleeping.

You just need to listen to the song on your family member’s phones or make sure it doesn’t stop playing while you’re sleeping. Listening once earns one point, so it’s not a cheating method since you’re technically listening to the songs while dreaming in your sleep.

— Hideaki Takizawa

This statement was interpreted as pressuring fans to use a “trick” to increase streaming numbers, leading to controversy. Netizens criticized his statement, questioning whether promoting methods involving family members’ phones is appropriate. Some said, “If a fan does it on their own, you can’t say anything, but a CEO shouldn’t speak of these methods.” Others questioned if the artists would be happy knowing that their songs were charted because of these tactics.

During the same live session, Hideaki Takizawa expressed his hopes for the world to hear Japanese songs in the charts.

It might be difficult to reach #1, but if our song makes it onto the charts, a Japanese song will be heard by people around the world… We’re trying our best, too, so let’s listen together.

— Hideaki Takizawa

A young Hideaki Takizawa

Hideaki Takizawa is a record producer and former singer, and actor. He debuted as an actor in 1995 and as a singer in 2002 as a . Before TOBE, he founded the agency Johnny’s Island, a subdivision of Johnny & Associates. After becoming the vice president of Johnny & Associates in 2019, he stepped down three years later to pursue other opportunities.