Jun Sato – International A&R, Pony Canyon Inc., Japan (1990–2002)

In this conversation, Jun Sato – International A&R at Pony Canyon, Japan – shares the remarkable story of how he helped get Paul Weller’s solo career off the ground when everyone else had written him off. In the early 1990s, as the UK industry dismissed Weller as an ‘80s has-been, Jun trusted his own taste, his love of British blue-eyed soul, and a very special demo cassette that landed on his desk. He quickly negotiated a three-album deal with John Weller and gave Paul the artistic freedom to launch a new chapter.

Jun reflects on what it meant to sign a living legend at a crossroads, championing Paul Weller at a time when old fans in Japan were still fiercely loyal but the industry wanted “Style Council 2.0.” Determined to support Weller’s vision, he battled conservatism inside Pony Canyon, orchestrated secret club gigs to “start from the underground again,” and staged meet-and-greets that deepened the Weller-Japan love affair. Working closely with John Weller, Jun experienced both the tough negotiations and the genuine warmth of the Weller family. He oversaw the Japanese release of Paul Weller months ahead of its UK debut, watched it rocket to the top of the charts, and then promoted Wild Wood and Stanley Road as Weller’s comeback exploded into an artistic and commercial triumph.

Looking back on his unique A&R role, Jun shares memories of trust, creative freedom, and a personal connection that only grew as Paul’s career flourished. He describes the enduring backstage camaraderie, the Mod culture’s roots in Japan, and why he feels pride every time Paul thanks him publicly for believing in “chapter three.” Today, as Paul Weller continues to innovate, Jun remains inspired – grateful for a musical journey and friendship that both changed their lives.

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Key Themes from the Conversation

• A&R Vision: Spotting and supporting an artist’s third act when others wouldn’t, and being “faster – and better – than the London A&Rs.”
• International Collaboration: Navigating cultural differences, business expectations, and the challenge of launching a UK icon’s next era from Tokyo.
• Creative Freedom and Trust: Why letting Weller follow his own instincts – rather than label demands – turned out to be the best strategy.
• Family and Loyalty: The Weller team’s sense of kinship, from John “the genius manager” to card games and late nights with the band in Japan.
• Japan’s Mod Connection: How Japanese fans embraced Weller’s musical evolution and style, making Japan one of his most steadfast and passionate territories.
• Legacy: The thrill of seeing Weller’s imported CDs at HMV Oxford Street, influencing a wave of British acts in Japan, and a three-album trilogy (Paul Weller, Wild Wood, Stanley Road) for the ages.

Dancing Through the Fire

Juno Sato is one of over 250 contributors to my Sunday Times Bestselling book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, which is available now in hardback, paperback, audiobook and ebook.
Click on the image below to grab your copy…