MCCF Signs MOU with UK Music Industry Development Organization Generator
From Asia to Europe: Fukuoka’s co-writing initiative expands globally, building a music ecosystem through deeper collaboration
The Music City Council of Fukuoka has signed a memorandum of understanding with Generator, a leading music industry development organization in northern England, covering exchange and development opportunities for artists and music professionals.
Background to the MOU
With the goal of making Fukuoka one of Japan and Asia’s leading music cities, the Music City Council of Fukuoka has organized BEYONDERS, an annual co-writing project, since fiscal 2022 to support musicians active in Fukuoka as they expand overseas.
Through BEYONDERS, MCCF has steadily built an international track record and network through co-writing with artists from Thailand in fiscal 2022, Taiwan in fiscal 2023, and South Korea in fiscal 2024. For the fiscal 2025 edition, Fukuoka-based singer-songwriter Momoko Iwasaki joined Newcastle singer Loren Heat, music producer Chad Rodgers, and others at a studio in Fukutsu to create music across borders. The completed song premiered on the main stage of FUKUOKA MUSIC SUMMIT at the Fukuoka International Congress Center in February 2026. Generator CEO Mick Ross also joined a symposium at the summit, where participants discussed the importance of a music ecosystem that gives young talent opportunities and direct access to international markets from regional cities rather than concentrating everything in major metropolitan areas.
The project then expanded beyond Fukuoka. With support from Generator, Iwasaki traveled to the United Kingdom in May 2026 and performed with Loren Heat in Brighton, London, and Newcastle. In June, they performed at the British Embassy in Tokyo during the celebration of King Charles III’s birthday. Success on this symbolic stage for cultural exchange between the two countries marked a major step forward in presenting Fukuoka’s music scene internationally.
Building on the clear success of the fiscal 2025 co-writing project, the two organizations signed the MOU to reinforce their partnership.
What is co-writing?
Co-writing is a method in which multiple artists, creators, and music producers create a song together by bringing their sensibilities and ideas into dialogue. It is established as a standard approach for producing leading hit songs in music markets across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Main areas of cooperation under the MOU
1. Exchange of artists and music professionals
• Reciprocal artist residency programs
• Exchanges involving performances and showcases
• Joint songwriting and producer programs
2. Information and knowledge sharing
• Exchange of information on music-city strategies
• Dialogue on the nighttime economy and the sustainability of live-music venues
• Sharing methods for research, data, and ecosystem mapping
3. Joint promotion
• Promotion of both regions as emerging music cities
Comments on the MOU
Mick Ross, CEO at Generator
“Over the past two years we’ve seen first-hand the opportunities that Japan can create for artists, music businesses and creative professionals from the North of England. What started through trade missions and industry exchanges has already led to new partnerships, touring opportunities, releases and meaningful business relationships that are helping Northern talent reach new audiences around the world.
Signing this agreement with Music City Council Fukuoka is an exciting next step. It strengthens a partnership built on shared ambition and creates a long-term platform for collaboration, supporting artists and businesses in both regions while building lasting cultural and economic connections between the North of England and Japan.”
Over the past two years we’ve seen first-hand the opportunities that Japan can create for artists, music businesses and creative professionals from the North of England. What started through trade missions and industry exchanges has already led to new partnerships, touring opportunities, releases and meaningful business relationships that are helping Northern talent reach new audiences around the world.
Signing this agreement with Music City Council Fukuoka is an exciting next step. It strengthens a partnership built on shared ambition and creates a long-term platform for collaboration, supporting artists and businesses in both regions while building lasting cultural and economic connections between the North of England and Japan.
Kenjiro Fukamachi, Director and Chair of the Planning and Operations Committee, Music City Council of Fukuoka
“We are delighted to mark the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between Generator and the Music City Council of Fukuoka. Since our serendipitous first meeting, it is remarkable to reflect that only one year has passed. During that time, we have already shared many invaluable exchanges and built a meaningful relationship. This experience has reaffirmed our belief in the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together.
Through the establishment of this MOU, we sincerely hope that the partnership between our two organizations will continue to grow and flourish, creating new opportunities for collaboration and contributing to a shared vision for the future.”
We are delighted to mark the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Generator and the Music City Council of Fukuoka (MCCF).
Since our serendipitous first meeting, it is remarkable to reflect that only one year has passed. During that time, we have already shared many invaluable exchanges and built a meaningful relationship. This experience has reaffirmed our belief in the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together.
Through the establishment of this MoU, we sincerely hope that the partnership between our two organizations will continue to grow and flourish, creating new opportunities for collaboration and contributing to a shared vision for the future.
Organization profiles
Music City Council of Fukuoka
Representative: Susumu Ishihara, Chair
Headquarters: Fukuoka, Japan
Purpose: A voluntary organization established in April 2021 with the goal of making Fukuoka one of Japan and Asia’s leading music cities. Its wide-ranging activities promote the music industry, city branding, and cross-cultural exchange by developing Fukuoka as a hub city.
【Generator Ne Ltd
Representative: Mick Ross, CEO
Headquarters: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Overview: Founded in 1991, Generator is a leading music industry development organization in northern England. It provides integrated artist and music-professional development, business support, and international expansion support for talent based outside major metropolitan areas.
Media inquiries
Music City Council of Fukuoka Secretariat
Contact: Ibuki Tomita
Tel: 080-7980-5383
Email: info@mccf.jp
Address: Riverain Center Building 8F, 3-1 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
