Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ)Supporting Japanese music.3.1 out of 5
3.1 out of 5
Hot take
The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) is the main trade group representing Japan’s music recording industry, with a legacy dating back to 1942. They play a central role in protecting copyright and neighboring rights, collecting secondary use fees, and combatting piracy, which helps maintain industry standards and ensures royalties flow to rights holders. RIAJ certifies gold and platinum records and coordinates with government and industry bodies to influence policy and enforcement. However, their structure—primarily serving large record companies—can be seen as gatekeeping, and the bureaucracy may slow adaptation to indie artist needs or evolving digital trends. Despite its legacy-institution stiffness, RIAJ remains vital for rights administration and copyright protection in Japan’s music sector.
How was this take was created?
Pros
Pillar for copyright and neighboring rights protection
Handles collection and distribution of secondary use fees
Active in anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting measures
Certifies gold and platinum albums and singles
Provides industry research and data
Influences government policy on music rights
Cons
Legacy institution with slow adaptation to indie and digital trends
Primarily serves interests of major record labels
Perceived gatekeeping in the Japanese music industry
Processes can be opaque and bureaucratic
Key Features
Copyright and neighboring rights protection
Gold and platinum certification
Secondary use fee collection and distribution
Anti-piracy enforcement
Industry research and statistical reporting
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