A few weeks ago, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry reported that the Japanese music industry grew by 9.3% in 2021, ending two consecutive years of decline. The Recording Industry Association of Japan recently released its year end report for 2021, going into more detail about the state of the industry over the course of last year.

“Statistics Trends RIAJ Yearbook 2022” states that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to affected the Japanese music industry last year. Despite what the IFPI reported, the RIAJ reported that the combined physical and digital markets only saw growth of 4% in 2021, to ¥283.2 billion. However, it was the first year of growth in three years.

In 2021, the revenue of the physical market, which includes CDs, vinyl, DVDs, and Blu-rays, remained virtually unchanged at ¥193.6 billion. Last year also saw a 3% increase in the number of units produced compared to the previous year, totalling 151.03 million units.

On the other hand, the revenue of the digital market, which is composed of downloads and streaming, increased by 14% compared to 2020, totalling ¥89.5 billion. This is first time that digital market revenue has passed ¥80 billion since 2010. This is the eighth consecutive year of growth, and the fourth consecutive year of double digit growth. The digital market’s share of the Japanese music industry exceeded 30% for the first time since data started to be compiled in 2005.

On April 8, Hoshino Gen released his digital single “Kigeki.” The song serves as ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime series “SPY x FAMILY.” Gen created the song while thinking of the anime’s main characters and the theme of family.

Nearly a month after the song’s release, Gen has released its music video. In the clip, he meets some monsters and then takes them home to live with him, creating a family, Check it out below!

This week’s guests were BiSH, ENHYPEN, Fujikawa Chiai, and PRIKIL.

BiSH – BiSH -Hoshi ga Matataku Yoru ni- / Gomen ne

ENHYPEN – Always

Fujikawa Chiai – Yuzurenai

PRIKIL – SOMEBODY

Hey, Arama Japan! It’s Friday, so it’s Open Post time! Feel free to chat with your fellow readers about whatever you like! Enjoy!

This week’s guest was Awich. She was joined by special guests JP THE WAVY and YZERR.

Awich – Queendom / GILA GILA feat. JP THE WAVY, YZERR

“This is JO1 ~Go to the Dream~” is special that aired in March on NHK BS8K, NHK’s 8K satellite channel. Due to popular demand, it aired on regular NHK on May 5. The show was made to show the charm of JO1, who have now entered their third year.

JO1 – Mugendai / SHINE A LIGHT / Toberu Kara / YOLO-Konde / Dreamer

On May 25, JO1 will release their second album, “KIZUNA.” The catchphrase for this album is “Let’s enjoy our bond together.” This catchphrase condenses the album’s theme of recognizing the bond one has with friends after overcoming hardship together.

“KIZUNA” will feature seven new songs, along with songs that were previously released on the group’s last three singles. The album will include “Dreamer”, the theme song for “Short Program”, JO1’s Amazon Prime Video drama, and “Move The Soul”, the opening theme for the TOKYO MX anime series “Gunjo no Fanfāre.”

JO1’s new album will be released in five editions: CD+DVD limited edition A, CD+Photobook limited edition B, CD+Solo Poster regular edition, CD only anime edition, and CD only fanclub edition.

Ahead of the album’s release, JO1 has released the music video for the album’s promo single, “With Us.” The song itself ties into the album’s catchphrase and theme. Check it out below!

On May 4, Mika Nakashima will release her new album, “I.” This album will be a first for her in that she wrote and produced it herself. Mika has never composed before, so she started by buying a computer. She was assisted in this new endeavor by COLDFEET and other musicians she admires, resulting in what she calls her favorite album.

“I” will come in a limited edition and a regular edition, with the limited edition coming in a three-sided, EP-sized case, along with a photobook and a knit cap.

Check out more information on Mika’s new album below!