The Nikkei Shimbun reported on September 24th that Hulic has acquired the former headquarters of Johnny’s & Associates (currently "SMILE-UP." with the period being part of the name) located in Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo.
The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
Despite the sale, SMILE-UP. will continue to occupy the building in a rental capacity.
The building, which has six floors above ground and three basement levels, includes a music studio.
Screenshot courtesy of Google street view taken in September 2023.
Previously owned by Sony Music Entertainment (SME), it was known as the "SME Nogizaka Building" due to its proximity to Nogizaka Station.
However, it was sold to Johnny’s & Associates in 2018 as part of SME’s restructuring.
Johnny’s & Associates owned several prime properties across Tokyo. In the wake of a globally publicized scandal in 2023 dating back decades, the disgraced talent agency has been selling off some of its assets to fund compensation for victims.
Source:
Nikkei Shimbun (Japanese only; paywalled)
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