The Japanese recorded music market — the world’s second-largest — showed slightly improved results for calendar year 2005, according to production data reported today (Jan. 17) by labels body the Recording Industry Assn. of Japan.
The volume of pre-recorded music product (including music videos and DVDs) by the RIAJ’s 41 member companies rose 2% on a year-on-year basis to 357.2 million units. At the same time, the wholesale value of the market slipped by 2% to ¥422.2 billion ($3.7 billion). That compares with declines of 4% and 5%, respectively, for 2004.
Excluding music videos and music DVDs, the volume of audio software (CDs, cassette tapes and LPs) was down 1% to 310 million units; in value terms, product fell 3% to ¥367.2 billion ($3.2 billion).
Production of domestic repertoire (excluding music videos and DVDs) fell 3% to 228.2 million units, for a wholesale value of ¥271.8 billion ($2.4 billion), unchanged from the year before.
Meanwhile, production of foreign audio software (excluding music videos and DVDs) rose 4% in volume terms to 81.8 million units, for a value of ¥95.4 billion ($839.9 million), down 8%.
