Founded 1986 Status Active Country of origin Japan | Founder Hiroshi Tomioka | |
Distributor(s) In Japan:Avex Group, Sony Music Entertainment Japan, King Records, Tokuma Japan Communications, Pony CanyonIn Europe:Gan-Shin, CLJ Records, Universal Music Group | ||
Free-Will (フリーウィル) is a Japanese independent record label founded in 1986 by Color vocalist Hiroshi "Dynamite Tommy" Tomioka, with branches predominantly in Japan and the United States, as well as previously in Europe. It also continues to co-manage many of its artists after they have signed recording contracts with a major record label. Free-Will along with Extasy Records are credited with helping to spread the visual kei movement. Free-Will also produced the 2001 anime adaptation of the long running manga series Grappler Baki.
Contents
Sub-divisions
The company operates several sub-divisions, some of them for a single band or purpose only. For example, Firewall Div. solely handles material which is released in collaboration with Sony Music.
Under Sony Music
Under King Records
Under Tokuma Japan Communications
Under Avex Group
Bands or Solo artists managed directly
Scandal
On September 14, 2007, the label's founder Hiroshi "Dynamite Tommy" Tomioka was arrested, along with fellow Free-Will official Kazunori Murasaki and Koichi Kaku, a former employee of the Asatsu-DK advertising agency. The trio is accused of defrauding Asatsu-DK of 324 million yen (approximately US$ 2.8 million) by placing false orders for materials for Dir en grey. Kaku has since confessed to the charges, while Tomioka denied any involvement.