Kuwabara has also produced and composed for anime titles like Umamusume Pretty Derby, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and more.
A scandal broke out this week surrounding renowned Japanese music production label Arte Refact, which is known for producing music for major anime and game franchises. The scandal revolves around the company's representative director, Satoru Kuwabara, who received allegations regarding his private conduct through social media.
In response to the scandal, Arte Refact has announced that all creators affiliated with the company will leave the organisation on 30 June, 2026. The announcement was published through the company's official website on 9 June.
According to the statement, creators and employees will continue working on their current projects until completion to minimise disruption to business partners and clients.
Why are Arte Refact's creators leaving?
The departures follow allegations surrounding Kuwabara's private conduct that surfaced on social media earlier this month.
Although the allegations have been removed by X as it was reported as violating its community guidelines, the online figure “Deathdol Note” alleged that Kuwabara, who is a married father, had participated in numerous illicit affairs with the company's talents, including female voice actors, VTubers, and other employees.
A blog however, preserved the information, which you can access here.
In response to the controversy, Kuwabara released a lengthy statement to his X account acknowledging that the information being circulated online was "generally factual."
“I deeply apologize for the immense trouble my dishonest and irresponsible actions have caused to all parties involved,” said Kuwabara, “Above all, I feel truly sorry, ashamed, and strongly regretful for betraying the trust of the works and characters I was involved with, as well as everyone who loves and supports them, in such a reckless and unsightly manner.”
Arte Refact, on the other hand, stated that Kuwabara had used company facilities for personal purposes while serving as a director, describing the conduct as inappropriate and falling short of the standards expected from company leadership.
As a result, all creators affiliated with Arte Refact will depart the company at the end of June. Arte Refact also apologised to business partners and fans for the concern caused by the situation.
Who is Satoru Kuwabara?
Kuwabara is a prominent music producer and composer known for his work across numerous anime, game, and multimedia franchises.
His credits include music production and composition for major titles such as Ensemble Stars!, THE IDOLM@STER Million Live!, and Umamusume: Pretty Derby, alongside a wide range of anime and game projects.
Following the controversy, Kuwabara stepped down from his position as music producer for Ensemble Stars!!.
Former Arte Refact creators plan new agency
One of the departing creators, composer Yuki Honda, revealed on X that several former Arte Refact members are already preparing to establish a new agency.
According to Honda, the new organisation is expected to launch in July 2026.
He stated, through a machine translation that:
"Regarding 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."
The announcement suggests that a number of Arte Refact's former creators intend to continue collaborating under a new banner after leaving the company.