Modelpress, which had newly joined the judging panel for the Japan Record Awards, was found to have presented advertising packages priced at ¥7.5 million, ¥10 million and ¥15 million as “special plans,” separately from the organizers’ intentions. While TBS explained that there was no problem, the move caused controversy as it evoked the purchase of votes.
Modelpress reportedly presented its sales materials to record labels as new “special plans” in connection with its joining the year-end Japan Record Awards as a new judge. The 3 advertising packages were priced at ¥7.5 million, ¥10 million and ¥15 million, and included a note stating that they were unrelated to the judging process.
The sales activity coincided with Modelpress’s appointment as a judge, and some labels consequently viewed it as an “effective solicitation to buy votes.” People involved, including those at an enka label, expressed surprise and anger, while several newspaper representatives voiced strong concerns, citing past allegations of vote-buying at the Record Awards.
TBS’s response drew a different reaction publicly, but the focus of coverage shifted to the existence and handling of the sales materials and the boundary between judging and advertising activities. Photographs and materials were published by public media as part of the article, and further reports are being watched closely.