The scandal involving Satoru Kuwabara not only cost him his position in Ensemble Stars!!: it now takes with it the entire creative staff of the label he founded. Arte Refact announced on June 9 that all its affiliated creators will leave the company on June 30, leaving the music label that has produced much of the sonic identity of Japanese anime and video games in recent years virtually empty overnight.

The decision, according to Arte Refact’s statement, is intended to allow ongoing projects to continue without causing inconvenience to partners and clients. The company expressed gratitude to those who supported its work and issued an apology for the concern and problems caused by the current situation. Each creator will share information about their next steps once preparations are ready.

Among those departing is composer Yuki Honda, who confirmed that several creators from the label, including himself, plan to found a new agency starting in July. Details of that new structure will be shared in the coming days.

Arte Refact confirmed in a prior statement that the information circulating about Kuwabara was “generally factual,” and described the use of company facilities for personal matters in his capacity as director as unacceptable behavior. Kuwabara had already publicly acknowledged that his actions lacked ethical judgment, that the core points of the accusations were true, and that his resignation as music producer of Ensemble Stars!! had been accepted. He had also asked that unverified information not be spread to protect his family’s privacy.

What remains unclear is how Arte Refact will manage active projects without its composer team, and what form the new agency that Honda and his colleagues are preparing will take.

About Arte Refact

Arte Refact is a Japanese music production label operated under the company Memento mori, founded by Satoru Kuwabara. Throughout its history, it contributed to the sonic identity of franchises like Ensemble Stars!!, THE IDOLM@STER Million Live!, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby, as well as numerous anime and video game projects. The simultaneous departure of all its affiliated creators on June 30 represents a significant turning point for a company that until very recently was one of the leading references in Japan’s industry.

Do you think the new agency planned by the former creators of Arte Refact will be able to maintain the work level the label had, or will the scandal also affect its launch?