Japan’s Major TV Shopping Company Nihon Chokuhan Acquires Voice Actor Agency, Internet Reacts: Voice Actors for Live Commerce?

Japan’s major TV shopping company Nihon Chokuhan announced on the 2nd that it has acquired Crocodile Inc., the company that operates the voice actor agency Crocodile, making it a subsidiary.

By combining Nihon Chokuhan’s established TV shopping and membership business with the expressive abilities and outreach power of voice actors, the company aims to create new shopping experiences centered on live streaming and live commerce. The unexpected move has sparked surprise and curiosity online.

Integration of TV Shopping and Voice Actor Talent

Nihon Chokuhan has acquired shares in Crocodile Inc., a professional voice actor production agency, and has officially made the company a subsidiary. Crocodile represents many highly skilled voice actors who are active across a wide range of fields, including anime, games, commercial narration, and television appearances. Through this acquisition, the two companies plan to pursue a more integrated business structure.

While Nihon Chokuhan’s core business is TV shopping and mail order retail, the company has been expanding beyond the traditional framework of simply selling products. Past initiatives include experiential marketing projects such as Japan Chokuhan SPECIAL DAY!! held in collaboration with the J League club Sagan Tosu, as well as curated travel experiences offered to members. The company has also accumulated expertise by incorporating live streaming and program style formats into its sales initiatives, steadily building know how that connects ecommerce with entertainment.

Strengthening Live Commerce Through In House Production

With Crocodile now a subsidiary, Nihon Chokuhan plans to significantly strengthen its live commerce operations by leveraging the strong expressive skills of voice actors and their close relationship with fans. By bringing live commerce programs that were previously produced through external partnerships fully in house, the company aims to further enhance planning capabilities, production quality, and overall presentation.

Looking ahead, Nihon Chokuhan plans to organically combine programs, ecommerce, and events to deliver new purchasing experiences and participatory services centered on voice actors. Beyond merchandise sales, the company aims to evolve into a comprehensive service provider that integrates experiences, membership services, travel, finance, and insurance.

Online Reactions Highlight Surprise and Curiosity

The unexpected acquisition of a voice actor agency has prompted a wave of reactions online. Comments include, “Are voice actors going to be used in TV shopping programs?”, “It makes more sense to do everything in house than to pay YouTubers or VTubers for promotion”, “There are already too many talent agencies and performers, so this kind of move could happen elsewhere too”, “Is this about featuring Crocodile talent in Nihon Chokuhan shopping programs?”, and “Wow, that’s incredible.”

Key Talent Represented by Crocodile

Natsuko Hara
Yurie Kozakai
Rena Hasegawa
Shinnojo Yamada
Ruri Asano
Neo Tanaka
Nagisa Aoyama

Source : ORICON NEWS