Both physical and digital revenues slumped last year, the former – still by far the most dominant revenue stream in Japan – down from 310.8 billion yen to 270.4 billion. Digital slumped too, down 23% overall, which makes for depressing reading when elsewhere digital booms (overall, even if download income has peaked) are now compensating for continued physical sale declines.
The RIAJ reports Japanese consumers purchased 216 million digital units of music -- including singles, albums, ringtones and more -- in 2013, to come in at a 20% drop from the previous year's 271 million, at least partly due to the rise of smartphones and the sunset of 'feature' phones. The contraction resulted in a 23% decrease in digital revenue, with 2013 bringing in 41 billion yen (approximately $403.4 million), down from 2012's sales of 54 billion yen (approximately $531.3 million).
Yet again, Japan's physical market dwarfs digital -- similar to Germany's industry -- though the downward trend continued for physical purchases as well. The total value of the physical market in 2013 was 270.4 billion yen (about $2.6 billion), down from 310.8 billion yen (about $3.05 billion).
Hey I moved to Japan four months ago and I've already bought FOUR albums. So Ke$ha, Gaga, Lorde and unfortunately unknown Sweetbox will be booming here.
this is all due to the destruction of the japanese pop girl trinity :
Ayumi Hamasaki
Namie Amuro
Utada Hikaru
I swear why is Utada taking such a massive break? why is queen Ayumi flopping, why is Namie Amuro ..(actually she is doing fantastic)
Koda Kumi was fun while she lasted too