Free Wave
Free Wave Co., Ltd (株式会社フリー・ウエイブ) is a Japanese talent agency headquartered in Setagaya, Tokyo, specializing in foreign performers. Established in February 1992, the company began as a dance agency and has since expanded into seven divisions, including models, narrators/voice actors, cultural talents, actors, extras, singers/musicians, and dancers/performers. As of its 25th anniversary, Free Wave had registered over 2,500 foreign talents from more than 100 nationalities.[1] HistoryFree Wave Co., Ltd. was founded in February 1992 by Mutsumi Takahashi in Setagaya, Tokyo. The agency’s origin traces back to 1989, when a friend in the United States asked Takahashi to help introduce talented American hip-hop dancers to Japan.[2] Although she lacked industry experience, English skills, or connections, she began reaching out to television broadcasters and advertising agencies to establish initial opportunities.[2] Initially focused on managing foreign dancers, the company responded to demand and diversified its offerings by launching a modeling division in 2000. This became a significant contributor to its revenue and operational stability.[3][4] By around its 25th anniversary in 2017, the company reported representing more than 2,500 foreign talents, including models, narrators, dancers, musicians, actors, and performers, spanning over 100 nationalities and a wide age range—from infants to older adults.[5][6][7][8] Takahashi has described the company’s guiding philosophy as prioritizing client satisfaction and long-term trust over financial gain.[3]More recently, the agency has reinforced these strengths by investing in organizational systems that streamline talent and visa processing, further enhancing its ability to handle complex, rapid-turnaround casting requirements.[6] PhilanthropyFree Wave Co., Ltd. has participated in charitable initiatives in Japan. The company is listed as a donor by the certified non-profit organization Japan Platform (ジャパン・プラットフォーム) in connection with disaster relief efforts following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[9] Free Wave was also featured as a supporting company in the Tokyo Metropolitan Chapter of the Japanese Red Cross Society’s “つなぐプロジェクト” (“Tsunagu Project”), which highlighted corporate involvement in community support and humanitarian activities. As part of this recognition, in 2022 the company received a certificate of appreciation from the Japanese Red Cross Society acknowledging its contributions to disaster relief and ongoing support for affected communities.[10] Mutsumi Takahashi, representing Free Wave, commented that “viewing a disaster as personal, helping one another, and taking action can accelerate recovery” (「災害を自分事として捉え、一人ひとりが助け合い、行動することで復興が早まる」).[11] Public incidentsIn early 2024, Free Wave represented Karolina Shiino (椎野カロリーナ), the winner of the 2024 Miss Nippon Grand Prix beauty pageant.[12][13] The agency publicly responded after Shūkan Bunshun revealed that Shiino had an extramarital affair with a married man. Free Wave initially denied the allegations but later confirmed that Shiino had continued the relationship after learning his marital status. Following further review, Shiino requested the termination of her contract, which Free Wave accepted.[14][15] Shiino subsequently relinquished her Miss Nippon title. The case received coverage in both Japanese and international media, and Free Wave issued a public statement regarding the contract termination, emphasizing the agency’s adherence to professional conduct.[14][16] Notable talentsFormer talentsReferences
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