Japan

Avex Inc. CEO Katsumi Kuroiwa on Japan, the modern music business, and global expansion

MBW's World Leaders Series interviews Katsumi Kuroiwa, President and CEO of Japan's Avex Group

Japan generated over half a billion dollars from subscription music streaming in 2022

New stats published by local trade body RIAJ

Sony Music Japan is building ‘the largest virtual talent development and management project in history’

MBW explores Sony Music Entertainment (Japan)'s virtual talent ambitions...

FUGA partners with Japanese firm Space Shower Networks to form digital music distribution JV

New venture, SPACE SHOWER FUGA, will launch in Spring 2021

Ingrooves expands into Japan, names industry veteran Ryukatsu Son as Managing Director for market

Exec joins from Amazon Japan, where he was Head of Licensing, Digital Music

Warner Music Japan launches urban label +809

Label has launched with the release of the track Ding Dong (feat A.G.O.) by Japanese R&B singer FLEUR

Industry revenues in Japan, world’s second biggest recorded music market, didn’t grow in H1 2019

Audio subscription revenues made up 12.4% of Japan's total recorded music revenues in H1 2019; physical audio formats contributed 53.3%.

Merlin distributions to label members in Japan increase 200% year-on-year

The independent label agency opened its Tokyo office in October 2016

Despite arrival of Spotify, streaming revenue growth slowed considerably in Japan last year

Physical revenues make up more than 80% of local market

Japan’s recorded music business grew last year (but only just)

Market generates more than $2bn, with download holding and streaming up 61%

Sony’s historic buyout of Sony/ATV: 5 things you need to know

Sony is now edging towards becoming a $5bn music company

Japan’s recorded music market up 1.1% as streaming jumps 43%

Physical rock solid as digital climbs

CD sales remain rock solid in Japan – but J-Pop has a stranglehold

Domestic sales claim almost 90% of all money taken