The Japanese recorded music market — the world’s second-biggest — continued its ongoing decline in the first three quarters of 2005, based on January-September production data released today (Oct. 18) by labels body the Recording Industry Assn. of Japan. RIAJ does not provide separate data for the third quarter.
Production of pre-recorded audio software by the RIAJ’s 41 member companies (including associate and “supporting” members) in the first nine months of 2005 totaled 222.4 million units, down 2% from the corresponding period of 2004, the RIAJ says. The wholesale value of the units produced was ¥262.3 billion ($2.3 billion), down 3% from the corresponding period last year.
Production of domestic repertoire fell 4% to 163 million units, for a value of ¥192.3 billion ($1.7 billion), unchanged from the first nine months of 2004. Meanwhile, production of foreign repertoire, while up 4% in volume terms to 59.3 million units, declined in value terms by 9% to ¥70 billion ($608.9 million).
An RIAJ spokesman says the decline in the value of foreign product shipped during the January-September period was due to a number of factors, including discounting and an increase in the number of lower-priced double-CD albums.
Production of music videos and DVDs showed mixed results. In volume terms, the market was up 24% to 27.4 million units, for a value of ¥35.2 billion ($306.2 million), down 2%.
