Renowned Anime Music Label Arte Refact to Lose All Creators Following Founder Satoru Kuwabara Controversy

Arte Refact, a renowned Japanese music production label known for creating songs for major anime and game franchises, announced on June 9 that all creators affiliated with the company will leave the organization on June 30.

The announcement was published on the company's official website amid ongoing controversy involving music producer Satoru Kuwabara, the company's representative director.

The issue emerged after photos and allegations related to Kuwabara's private conduct were shared on social media. In response, Arte Refact acknowledged that the information circulating online was "generally factual" and released a statement addressing the matter.

The company stated that Kuwabara had used company facilities for personal purposes while serving as a director, describing the conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the standards expected of company leadership.

Kuwabara Previously Stepped Down From Ensemble Stars!! Role

Kuwabara is widely known for providing music for popular franchises including Ensemble Stars!, THE IDOLM@STER Million Live!, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby, as well as numerous anime and game projects.

Following the controversy, he stepped down from his role as music producer for Ensemble Stars!!.
In its statement, Arte Refact said:

"All creators affiliated with Arte Refact will leave the company on June 30, 2026. Regarding our ongoing business relationships and projects, our creators and employees will continue to fulfill their responsibilities through completion to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to our partners and clients."

The company continued:
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported our activities. Each creator will provide updates regarding future activities once preparations have been completed."

Arte Refact also issued an apology to business partners and fans for the concern and inconvenience caused by the situation.

Former Creators Plan to Launch a New Agency

Among those leaving is composer Yuki Honda, who announced on X that several creators are preparing to establish a new agency beginning in July.

Honda stated:
"Regarding our future activities, several creators and I plan to establish a new agency starting in July. We are currently making preparations so that we can share further details with everyone soon. Thank you for your continued support."

The announcement suggests that many former Arte Refact creators intend to continue working together under a new organization.

Satoru Kuwabara Issues Public Apology

Kuwabara also posted an apology on X, acknowledging that his actions lacked ethical judgment.

He explained that while not every detail circulating online was accurate, the main points of the allegations were generally true.

Kuwabara apologized to business partners and collaborators, expressing deep regret for betraying the trust of fans and those connected to the works and characters he had helped create.

He added that he would sincerely address the consequences of his actions and confirmed that his resignation as music producer of Ensemble Stars!! had been accepted.
Kuwabara further stated that discussions were ongoing regarding other projects he produces as well as his band activities, and that updates would be announced through appropriate channels.

Concluding his statement, he requested that people refrain from spreading unverified information or personal details in order to protect the privacy and safety of his family and related parties.

What Happened?

The controversy surrounding Arte Refact escalated on June 4 after the exposé focused X account DEATHDOL NOTE published allegations against Satoru Kuwabara, including claims of an extramarital affair and other misconduct involving women.

Source : ORICON NEWS