Free Wave Co., Ltd (株式会社フリー・ウエイブ) is a Japanese talent agency headquartered in Setagaya, Tokyo, specializing in foreign performers. Established in February 1992, the company began as a dance agency and has since expanded into seven divisions, including models, narrators/voice actors, cultural talents, actors, extras, singers/musicians, and dancers/performers. As of its 25th anniversary, Free Wave had registered over 2,500 foreign talents from more than 100 nationalities.[1]
Native name | 株式会社フリー・ウエイブ |
|---|---|
| Company type | Kabushiki gaisha (Joint-stock company) |
| Industry | Service industry (entertainment) |
| Genre | Tarento management, actors, actresses, musical artists, comedians, entertainment management, commercial and television |
| Founded | February, 1992 |
| Headquarters | NK Building 1st Floor, 3-Chome 19-10, Ikejiri, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan; ZIP 154-0001 |
Area served | Japan |
| Owner | Mutsumi Takahashi |
| Website | f-w |
History
editFree Wave Co., Ltd. was founded in February 1992 by Mutsumi Takahashi in Setagaya, Tokyo. The agency’s origin traces back to 1989, when a friend in the United States asked Takahashi to help introduce talented American hip-hop dancers to Japan.[2] Although she lacked industry experience, English skills, or connections, she began reaching out to television broadcasters and advertising agencies to establish initial opportunities.[2]
Initially focused on managing foreign dancers, the company responded to demand and diversified its offerings by launching a modeling division in 2000. This became a significant contributor to its revenue and operational stability.[3][4]
By around its 25th anniversary in 2017, the company reported representing more than 2,500 foreign talents, including models, narrators, dancers, musicians, actors, and performers, spanning over 100 nationalities and a wide age range—from infants to older adults.[5][6][7][8]
Takahashi has described the company’s guiding philosophy as prioritizing client satisfaction and long-term trust over financial gain.[3]More recently, the agency has reinforced these strengths by investing in organizational systems that streamline talent and visa processing, further enhancing its ability to handle complex, rapid-turnaround casting requirements.[6]
Philanthropy
editFree Wave Co., Ltd. has participated in charitable initiatives in Japan. The company is listed as a donor by the certified non-profit organization Japan Platform (ジャパン・プラットフォーム) in connection with disaster relief efforts following the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[9]
Free Wave was also featured as a supporting company in the Tokyo Metropolitan Chapter of the Japanese Red Cross Society’s “つなぐプロジェクト” (“Tsunagu Project”), which highlighted corporate involvement in community support and humanitarian activities. As part of this recognition, in 2022 the company received a certificate of appreciation from the Japanese Red Cross Society acknowledging its contributions to disaster relief and ongoing support for affected communities.[10] Mutsumi Takahashi, representing Free Wave, commented that “viewing a disaster as personal, helping one another, and taking action can accelerate recovery” (「災害を自分事として捉え、一人ひとりが助け合い、行動することで復興が早まる」).[11]
Public incidents
editIn early 2024, Free Wave represented Karolina Shiino (椎野カロリーナ), the winner of the 2024 Miss Nippon Grand Prix beauty pageant.[12][13] The agency publicly responded after Shūkan Bunshun revealed that Shiino had an extramarital affair with a married man. Free Wave initially denied the allegations but later confirmed that Shiino had continued the relationship after learning his marital status. Following further review, Shiino requested the termination of her contract, which Free Wave accepted.[14][15]
Shiino subsequently relinquished her Miss Nippon title. The case received coverage in both Japanese and international media, and Free Wave issued a public statement regarding the contract termination, emphasizing the agency’s adherence to professional conduct.[14][16]
Notable talents
editFormer talents
editReferences
edit- ^ "Company Profile". Free Wave Co., Ltd. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Free Wave Co., Ltd. – Interview with Mutsumi Takahashi" (in Japanese). Jonetsu CEO. 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ a b "Interview with Mutsumi Takahashi" (in Japanese). Only Story. 2016-05-10. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ "Foreign Models Tokyo Casting Guide" (in Japanese). Modelic Life. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ "外国籍・ハーフキッズに強いモデル事務所『フリー・ウエイブ』口コミ・入所方法などまとめました" (in Japanese). Koyaku. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ a b "Feature on Free Wave Co., Ltd" (in Japanese). Apoperu / Professional Online. 2022-03-15. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ "9月27日より放送開始するNHK 『大西泰斗の英会話☆定番レシピ』のスタジオパートナーとして、 クリス・マッコームスとサフィヤが出演！" (in Japanese). Newscast. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ "インバウンド動画にも！外国語ナレーションの音声納品サービス「Voice Agent」をフリー・ウエイブが提供開始" (in Japanese). Infoseek. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ "Donor List: Great East Japan Earthquake Response" (in Japanese). Japan Platform. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "日本赤十字社より感謝状を賜りました" (in Japanese). Free Wave Co., Ltd. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "つなぐプロジェクト" (in Japanese). Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo Metropolitan Chapter. 28 September 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ Shaimaa Khalil (24 January 2024). "Ukrainian-born model winning Miss Japan re-ignites identity debate". BBC News. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "Ukraine-born Miss Japan relinquishes crown". CNN. 2024-02-06. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ a b "椎野カロリーナに関するご報告" (in Japanese). Free Wave Co., Ltd. 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ "「ミス日本」椎野カロリーナさん報道めぐり所属事務所が声明「不貞行為の事実はない」" (in Japanese). Oricon News. 2024-02-01.
- ^ "Ukraine-born Miss Japan relinquishes crown after reported affair". Kyodo News. 2024-02-05. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ "Toilet themed comedic adventure the benza breaks new ground for foreign talent in japan". Sora News 24. 2019-08-14. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ^ "Getting Dirty in Japan". Tokyo Cowboys. 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2025-08-14.