Record producer Yasutaka Nakata, known for his work with Perfume, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and CAPSULE, is reported to participate as a judge alongside Lawson CEO Tamatsuka Genichi for Lawson-sponsored “Lawson Dream Artist Audition” to produce a new female artist.

Lawson, the second largest convenience store chain in the country behind 7-Eleven, is owned by the same company that owns music store chain HMV and United Cinemas.

Opening today, auditions are open to women of all ages who are current or former employees of Lawson and do not currently have any affiliation with a music label. Auditions will close December 31 and will be followed by a musical debut produced by Nakata in Spring 2017 on Warner Music Japan.

Between Lawson convenience stores, HMV and United Cinemas, the company employs more than 170,000 people across Japan and believes their employees have a wealth of untapped potential.

A program related to the audition will be on the LINE LIVE app starting on September 2, featuring the official “Dream Artist Cheer Team” consisting of model/singer Mito Natsume, model Funayama Kumiko (Kumicky), and male model Yuutarou.

(via Oricon Style)