digital music/video

10/06/2005, 3:05pm, EDT

Thursday, October 6th

Japanese artists signing exclusive deals with iTunes

Apple is continuing to struggle with iTunes licensing terms with the music labels in Japan, forcing artists to go direct to make their songs available via iTunes. Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), BMG Japan, Warner Music Japan, and Victor Entertainment still haven't reached an agreement with iTunes Japan to offer their tracks to the masses, leaving artists frustrated and leading them to sign exclusive deals with iTunes. One industry insider noted that "as much as industry people tried to convince the press and the public that iTunes would fail in Japan or take years to get anywhere, the reality is that iTunes is doing very well, and artists and their fans want their material available on iTunes," according to a report from The Daily Yomiuri [updated].

Singer-songwriter Motoharu Sano is frustrated that his back catalog is not available to iTunes users, because it is signed with Sony. Sano, like several others, has signed a direct deal with iTunes Japan to offer up his music, according to the report.

Singer-songwriter Kazufumi Miyazawa has recorded a new version of his international hit, "Shima Uta", and is distributing it via iTunes Japan as well. Tokyo-based label, publishing and management company Bad News has made its 150 songs available on iTunes Japan, and acknowledged that "it's a bit late." Pop-rock band the Ulfuls, currently signed to Toshiba-EMI, recently released an album entitled "iTunes Originals", made up of previously released songs, live tracks and new versions of old songs.


Filed under: industry
Other story tags: digital music/video

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Joy!
0
10/06, 4:22pm, EDT
Now, if they allow these songs to be accessed by non-Japan (read: US)iTunes users, I will be a happy gaijin!
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2001
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I agree.
0
10/06, 4:56pm, EDT
I was hoping the Japanese son would be available to non-Japan users. I guess not yet, at least.
Mac Elite
Joined May 2001
User is offline
And so it begins
0
10/06, 4:57pm, EDT
This is just the start. I expect other artists in the west to start signing exclusive deals with iTunes. The writing is well and truly on the wall for the big labels....
Mac Elite
Joined Dec 2000
User is offline
Silly labels
0
10/07, 10:16am, EDT
The big labels are shooting themselves in the foot. I can't believe they are so blind as to not already be signed with iTunes.

iTunes is the way of the future. It's how I buy all my music now, and many more people will eventually follow suit.

When will the big labels realize that they can no longer be greedy, and also that signing with iTunes in no way prevents them from other distribution channels. If Sony/BMG want to maintain their own download services, FINE! DO BOTH! Duh! Some people will choose Sony's service, some people will choose iTunes. Everyone makes money, all customers get what they want, everyone wins. What's the friggin problem?!?
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2000
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