CUEW Showcase & Conference to Be Held in Shibuya, April 9–12, 2026, Supporting Global Expansion of Artists
CUEW Showcase & Conference, an international event where music, culture, and business intersect, will take place over four days from April 9 to 12, 2026, in Shibuya, Tokyo.
The event aims to create new connections between Japan, Asia, and the global market, providing a platform to support artists’ international expansion and to generate new business opportunities within the music industry. It has attracted attention from a wide range of stakeholders.
This article outlines the overall structure of the event, its key features, and the potential benefits for participants.
Overview: A Platform for Music Business and International Exchange
CUEW Showcase & Conference is a Tokyo-based showcase and conference festival that brings together music, culture, and business. It provides a platform for artists from Japan, across Asia, and around the world to present their work to a global audience, while also creating opportunities for industry professionals to connect, exchange knowledge, and build networks.
The Concept Behind the Name “CUEW”
The name “CUEW” combines the words “CUE” (a trigger or signal) and “NEW,” expressing the idea of creating “new opportunities.” The event is built on the concept of transforming small triggers into meaningful change that can shape the future.
Based on the response and outcomes from its inaugural edition, the second edition of the event will be co-organized by the Japan Foundation and the CUEW Organizing Committee. The scale and program have been significantly expanded, positioning the event as a relatively rare platform in Japan where music, business, and international exchange converge.
CUEW Showcase & Conference: Event Overview
Dates:
Conference: April 9–10, 2026
Showcase: April 11–12, 2026Venue:
Conference: Dragon Gate (Shibuya PARCO DG Building, 18F Conference Hall)
Showcase: The CUEW showcase live performances will be held within SYNCHRONICITY’26 (separate ticket required)Organizer:
The Japan Foundation (JF) / CUEW Organizing Committee
Demonstrated Global Reach Through Past Outcomes
Following the previous edition, several participating artists achieved international opportunities. Sakura Fujiwara performed at a music festival in Egypt, while NIKO NIKO TAN TAN secured a slot at a festival in the Czech Republic.
One of the defining characteristics of this event is the tangible outcomes it generates in supporting artists’ global expansion. In addition to these examples, soraya held solo performances in Taiwan and Hong Kong, and both NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN were confirmed to perform at “RISING,” a festival in Australia.
These developments illustrate how participation in the event can lead to concrete international engagements. Furthermore, additional overseas performances and international booking projects are currently in progress, indicating the continued creation of opportunities that connect artists with global markets.
A Four-Day Program Centered in Shibuya
The event is structured into two main components: the conference in the first half and the showcase live performances in the latter half. Together, these elements provide participants with opportunities for both knowledge exchange and practical networking.
An International Conference on Current Industry Trends
On April 9 and 10, an international conference program will be held at Dragon Gate, a conference hall located on the top floor of the Shibuya PARCO DG Building in central Shibuya.
Industry professionals from around the world will be invited to participate in talk sessions and panel discussions, sharing insights on global trends and practical perspectives within the music industry. Topics will include developments in the music scene and strategies for international expansion, offering participants access to current knowledge and industry viewpoints.
In addition, networking programs designed to facilitate business matching will be available. Speed meeting sessions — short, one-on-one discussions between artists and industry professionals — provide opportunities to explore potential collaborations and business development.
These programs are designed to encourage open interaction across borders, genres, and professional roles, connecting festival organizers, label representatives, media professionals, and other stakeholders within the industry.
Showcase Live in Collaboration with an Urban Music Festival
On April 11 and 12, the program shifts to showcase live performances held in collaboration with SYNCHRONICITY’26, one of Tokyo’s long-running urban music festivals with over 20 years of history. This integrated format, combining a conference with a music festival, represents a new approach within Japan.
A dedicated stage will be set up within the festival venue, featuring 11 emerging artists selected through open calls and international networks. Artists from countries including the United Kingdom, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Australia are scheduled to perform, with some making their debut performances in Japan.
In addition, approximately 100 international music industry professionals are expected to attend, alongside more than 140 performing artists. The showcase provides a platform for artists to present their work directly to a global audience, while also facilitating new connections and potential opportunities across borders.
Value for Both Artists and Music Industry Professionals
A Gateway to International Opportunities for Artists
For artists, the event provides a pathway to entering new markets. It offers opportunities to secure performances at overseas festivals, explore label partnerships, and expand promotional activities on a global scale.
In addition, artists can connect directly with international peers and industry professionals, opening up possibilities for future collaborations. Receiving direct feedback on their music and performances from industry stakeholders also supports professional development, while helping to build meaningful connections within the global music ecosystem.
Talent Discovery and Market Insights for Industry Professionals
For music industry professionals, the event offers early access to emerging talent from both domestic and international markets, enabling scouting and research activities in a highly efficient environment.
It also creates opportunities to connect with a wide range of stakeholders across regions, supporting the development of new business partnerships and collaborative projects. By experiencing diverse live performances from artists representing different markets, participants can gain first-hand insights into global music trends and better understand evolving market dynamics.
Participation and Business Ticket Information
Business tickets for CUEW Showcase & Conference are now available, offering access to a program where music, business, and international exchange intersect.
Several ticket options are provided depending on participation needs. A full business pass, valid for both conference days, is priced at JPY 38,000 (excluding tax). Single-day tickets are also available. The April 9 pass (JPY 20,000, excluding tax) includes access to the reception party held on the same evening. The April 10 pass (JPY 20,000, excluding tax) includes access to a pre-festival event associated with the urban music festival.
Ticket Sales : https://cuew.fespli.com/
An Opportunity Connecting Shibuya with the Global Music Industry
CUEW Showcase & Conference offers a platform for discovering new talent and supporting artists in taking steps toward international engagement. For music industry professionals in Japan, it also provides an opportunity to build international networks and explore new business possibilities.
Opportunities to engage directly with global stakeholders and gain insights into current music trends within a single event setting remain relatively limited. For artists seeking international expansion and professionals looking to identify emerging talent, the four-day program represents a valuable occasion to develop future opportunities.
