The Record Industry Association of Japan has released the RIAJ Yearbook 2008, its annual roundup of sales figures, statistics and trends from the previous year. As expected, CD sales continued to decrease for the ninth straight year. However, total recorded music sales are up for the third year running, thanks to strong growth from the digital sector – or more specifically from the mobile sector, which still accounts for the bulk of digital music sales in Japan with full-track downloads rising 91% over the previous year.

According to the latest Music Media Watch:

Total music sales for 2007 in Japan came to JPY 466 billion (US $4.66 billion). While CD/DVD sales declined 4% from the previous year, digital downloads jumped up 41% to JPY 75.5 billion (US $755 million), comprising 16% of all music sold in Japan. Mobile downloads accounted for JPY 68 billion (US $680 million), more than 90% of the total figure for digital sales.

Our quick calculation shows the total value is approx. 50x German mobile market figures!

Related posts:

1. Mobile Music in Japan Figures for 2010
2. Japan Telecom Hardware Sales Drop
3. Sharp Reports Mobile Sales Up 29 Percent
4. Japan Mobile Music 3Q Results
5. Japan Mobile Music News Brief

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!