Do you know the music event "Momotaro Fest" being held in Okayama Prefecture?
It was first held at Kurashiki Muscat Stadium in 2019, and has been held three times so far in 2022 and 2024. The performers range from local artists from Okayama Prefecture to nationally recognized artists, and the lineup has attracted attention, leading to its recognition as a new music event in Okayama.
Even if you know about the event itself, some may have thought that the organizer was a major production company from Tokyo or Osaka.
In fact, the one behind the "Momotaro Fest" is Voice Co., Ltd., a music office based in Kurashiki. Established in May 2018, it is a noteworthy company that has steadily expanded its activities over the past seven years as of 2025.
Companies and organizations that are rooted in the local community and grow together with the region are key to regional revitalization, but there are still not many companies in Okayama and Kurashiki that focus on "music."
Let me introduce "Voice Co., Ltd.," which has the potential to create unprecedented value.
What is "Voice Co., Ltd."?
"Voice Co., Ltd." is a music office led by President Shunsuke Suda from Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. The operational projects are broadly classified into four categories.
- Music Business
Entertainment production (office) / Production and management / Music composition / CD production / Co-write camp (Voice Co-Write Camp) operation- School Business
Operation of Voice Entertainment Academy (school) / Dance, vocal training, DTM (lyric writing and composition)- Event Business
Organizer of Momotaro Fest / Production, planning, operation / Sound and lighting / Casting- Design Business
Various design and printing / Website production / MEO measures / Poster printing (same-day delivery) up to A1 / Subscription-based design service / Signboard production / Photography / Video production / Online distribution
Music Business
As an entertainment production (office), we support serious artist activities aimed at debut, producing across genres from musicians to models, actors, and sports teams.
We also respond to creative music production, such as writing lyrics, composing, and arranging for TV commercials and background music for videos from general companies.
School Business
The course offerings include dance courses, vocal training courses, DTM (lyric writing and composition) courses, singer-songwriter courses, and dance & vocal courses. We invite active professional artists, lyricists, composers, and dancers to provide practical learning opportunities.
Furthermore, we not only conduct lessons but also support promotional activities for appearances at events and CD debuts.
Event Business
The first "Momotaro Fest," which was organized in 2019, featured guests such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, KREVA, Leo Ieiri, Dream Ami, Very Good Man, and Wednesday Campanella, and was held at Kurashiki Muscat Stadium.
In addition, we handle a wide range of events, including various music events, opening events, festivals, and the filming and setting of online live performances. We have strengths in technical aspects such as sound and lighting, as well as casting major artists and celebrities.
Design Business
We provide design services for CD release jacket designs, as well as flyers, posters, signboards, and website production for general companies.
In website production, we focus on measures such as SEO and MEO, which are essential for increasing recognition, and we also respond to effective marketing strategies.
The music, school, event, and design businesses are interconnected and developed in a seamless manner. While being rooted in the local community, we are also looking to expand our activities on a national scale, opening up new possibilities.
Interview with President Suda
Why did you establish a music office in Kurashiki, and what led to the event's organization? The background is deeply connected to President Shunsuke Suda's personality and passion for music. We interviewed President Suda.
Continued music activities while working as a company employee after graduating from a music vocational school
What was the trigger for starting a business in the music industry in Kurashiki?
Suda (no honorifics)
I have loved music and singing since high school.
At that time, there was an artist in America named Babyface, who sang, wrote songs, and produced other artists, and I admired him as a multi-talented individual.
From that time, I became interested in the job of a producer, and after graduating from high school, I enrolled in a music vocational school in Osaka to study music while doing what I loved.
At the vocational school, I had the opportunity to gain various experiences, such as rhythm training, practical lyric writing and composition, and trying out guitar and drums, as well as auditioning.
After graduation, I got a job at a company unrelated to music, but I did not lose my passion for music. A few years later, I returned to Kurashiki and joined an advertising company in a sales position, but the turning point came when I continued music in my private life.
One day, a client from my sales job introduced me to a budding artist, saying, "There is a kid who is about to start music, can you help them with their activities?"
As I supported the artist's activities on weekends while working as a company employee during the week, I found myself in a producer-like position. My experiences at the vocational school were certainly helpful, but they were more focused on learning from the performer’s side.
So, to properly produce, I decided to seriously engage in music again while still being a company employee.
Did your passion for music gradually grow while working as a company employee?
Suda
At that time, I was quite compartmentalized, and rather enjoyed my sales job, so I worked hard as a company employee during the week. However, the timing came for me to resign, and I established "Voice Co., Ltd." as a music office in May 2018.
For a while after resigning, I was personally active, but to do business with listed companies and major firms, it was sometimes difficult to contract without being a corporation, so I incorporated.
“I thought it was natural to be able to do it” The first outdoor music festival in Kurashiki, "Momotaro Fest"
The following year after establishing the corporation, "Momotaro Fest" was held at Kurashiki Muscat Stadium in September 2019. Many major artists participated, and given the scale, no one might have thought it was organized by a music office in Okayama at the time.
Suda
At first, people around me said, "Huh? Can you do it?" But I had experience organizing events for 2,000 people on weekends during my time as a company employee, so planning the event itself wasn't that difficult.
However, since there was no history of music events being held at Kurashiki Muscat Stadium at that time, it took about a year of adjustments with various stakeholders before we could hold the event.
I didn't initially think about doing a festival when I started the business.
The opportunity arose when a production company in Tokyo asked me, "How about holding a package of a certain festival event in Okayama?" As I explored the possibility of holding it, I thought, "We can do it independently without a package," and decided to try it with an original plan.
The first event in 2019 was held at Kurashiki Muscat Stadium, but the venue changes each year.
Holding a festival in Kurashiki doesn't seem easy, but from what Suda says, it sounds like he did it quite easily. Was there a decisive factor that made you think you could do it?
Suda
I thought it was natural to be able to do it.
When I set a goal to do something and moved in that direction, I met various people at the right time who said, "I will help," and it eventually came together.
From the outside, it may seem difficult, but I personally don't have a strong sense of struggle.
Being able to invite major artists was largely related to my good relationship with someone from a certain office. I consulted about offers and was able to reach out to artists through that person.
You already had significant connections. Did you actively build your network during your time as a company employee?
Suda
I think the connections naturally formed.
Basically, I like people, and conversely, I find it hard to dislike them. If I treated the people I met as a matter of course, I think it became what is commonly referred to as "networking."
“From Okayama to Major” An environment where anyone can challenge equally, no matter where they are
Currently, Voice is involved in event planning, artist production, as well as design production and music school operations. Did the business gradually increase?
Suda
Rather than increasing, it has mostly progressed simultaneously.
Having worked at various companies allowed me to do sales and design, and most importantly, I had a foundation built on connections with people, so I feel that the base I originally had has expanded over the past six years.
The current state is still a process, and what is currently happening is just a part of what I want to do. I started the music school in 2021, which I had always wanted to do, but it is not my final goal. In the school, I aim to establish a path where if we are going to do it, we can aim for major.
The ultimate goal I envision at this point is to create a live house with a capacity of 800 people. It seems that major artists rarely come to live houses in Okayama because the venues are small...
However, the goal is not just to invite artists; if our own artists practice regularly on a big stage in an environment at the same level as major artists, they can approach any offer as if it were normal.
When nurturing someone at a school, backing them up, and producing their debut, design emerges everywhere. Is the current system capable of covering everything?
Suda
That's right. We are working to ensure that we can handle events, lessons, recordings, and design all in-house. We want to further enhance the quality of these services.
Establishing a music office in Kurashiki, Okayama, nurturing artists from Okayama, and eventually leading them to major labels may still seem difficult in general. What is the reason for challenging this in Okayama?
Suda
It's not that I particularly love Okayama; I just happened to be in Okayama when I decided to do this. Therefore, I have never thought about the difficulties or disadvantages before starting.
Of course, I understand the common notion that if you aim for a debut, you should go to Osaka or Tokyo. But I want to show that if you join us, you can receive lessons at the same level as in Tokyo. You can debut even from a small town like Okayama.
Indeed, going to Tokyo means facing a lot of competition, and how well you can navigate that will naturally raise your level. Even though it's Okayama, I want to bring it closer to Tokyo's standards.
We invite writers and instructors from Tokyo to see and learn from the real thing, making it a norm. We aim to create an environment where anyone can compete equally, no matter where they are.
Many people may find courage in Suda's thoughts.
Suda
I believe each artist has their own values regarding how to earn and how to expose themselves to the public, but there are actually cases where artists currently belonging to Voice earn more than those who debuted in major labels in Tokyo.
While they are involved in singing, if their compositions are accepted, they can earn a considerable reward for a single song, and if they match visually with companies, it can lead to appearances in commercials. There are kids who are earning without going major.
Currently, our affiliated composer Shun is with "Naniwa Danshi," and our employee Tommy has been able to provide songs to major artists like Maki Goto while based in his hometown of Himeji and Kurashiki.
While engaging in composition activities, they also teach at our music school. Thanks to their own efforts and the connections we've made since they joined us, requests are now coming from the artist side. I think at first they never imagined they would be able to provide songs to major artists.
In a climate where there is still a tendency to think that you must go to Tokyo, you are creating a model case where artists can operate and earn while being based in their birthplace or a local area.
Suda
Even if you become an artist, if you can't earn, you will quit. Especially when working independently in rural areas, you can be underestimated.
Negotiating fees that match the work can be done through the office, so you don't have to do it yourself. With proper support, you can stand on your own.
“Doing what you can do properly” Not using Okayama as an excuse
After six years of various achievements, we are now in our seventh year. Are inquiries increasing?
Suda
At the upcoming event in Himeji (held in December 2024), we initially only handled casting, but we are also involved in the management side, doing something like consulting.
We are being asked from various sources to "do sound" and "do filming," and it feels like we are expanding rapidly.
Do you have any events or activities planned for 2025?
Suda
We will be hosting the 2025 Miss SAKE Okayama Competition in February 2025. Until now, the style has been for general companies to partner and host events, but we will be both the event organizer and a partner company.
“2025 Miss SAKE Okayama Competition”
Event Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
Location: Kurashiki Ivy Square Emerald Hall
※General public viewing is also possible.
Local competitions can be produced according to the organizer's ideas, allowing for a high degree of freedom, so we can showcase our unique style. It seems to be the first time for a music office to be the organizer of a competition, and everyone involved is looking forward to it.
Additionally, we have received offers for event management from other prefectures, and several have already been decided. Furthermore, we are progressing with a festival project at a facility in the Chugoku region, planning to participate in casting and stage management. While I can't share the details yet, if this project comes to fruition, it is likely to become one of the largest events in that prefecture.
It seems that a flow is being established where Voice is the go-to for events around Okayama. Hearing about the expanding work is exciting, but what is Suda's own mindset?
Suda
I feel that it has become a natural flow, but on the other hand, I sometimes wonder if it will be okay, if I can do it.
I will be the main person managing all the events, while also handling sales and the company's affairs, so... I always have the attitude of "If I'm needed, I'll do it!" but unfortunately, there are situations where I have to decline because I can't handle everything.
To continue moving forward from Kurashiki, Okayama, please share your aspirations for the future.
Suda
I have several goals, but I haven't thought too deeply about them. My only focus is on “doing what I can do properly”.
For the time being, the theme is to align our values with those of the city. When holding events, I want to ensure that we don't think, "It's Okayama, so this is about all we can do," but rather conduct proper events. I aim to create a situation where what is commonly done in Tokyo and Osaka is also naturally present here, without making excuses based on being rural or urban.
Additionally, I want to create a presence such that when asked, "What comes to mind when you think of festivals?" the "Momotaro Festival" is naturally included in that lineup. Furthermore, I want the recognition to spread that "If it's Okayama, it must be Voice."
After the Interview
Throughout the interview, Suda spoke calmly. At first glance, he may not seem overly ambitious, but as I listened, it became clear that he possesses a strong conviction and a clear vision.
What impressed me the most was the underlying "spirit of not doubting oneself" that drives Suda's actions.
“I naturally thought I could do it”
“I'm just moving towards my goals”
“I have never thought about the difficulties or disadvantages before starting”
His straightforward words, free from self-imposed limitations, often emerged, and I felt that the difference between those who challenge themselves and those who do not is reflected in such attitudes.
Additionally, combined with Suda's innate disposition of “liking people and being unlikely to dislike them,” he has likely continued to move forward without stopping, valuing connections.
I look forward to seeing what kind of future Voice Co., Ltd. and Suda will carve out.
Data on Voice Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | Voice Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music business / School business / Event business / Design business |
| Representative Name | Suda Shunsuke |
| Year Established | 2018 |
| Address | 5F Kurashiki City Plaza West Building, 1-7-2 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 0120-928-710 |
| Website | Voice Co., Ltd. |
