A quick guide to exporting to Japan
What follows is a brief guide for independent Hip Hop artists and producers hoping to make a (low-cost) mark in the Japanese market. All information is provided as a service and comes purely from personal observation. We take no responsibility for its accuracy suffice to say that this sort of information can be hard to come by for those not in the know. Use at your own risk.
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Introduction
Japan is frequently recognized worldwide as being the second largest market for music in the world. However, the major portion of music sold in Japan is comprised of native pop music. Heavily tied into a radio and TV tie-ins, singable "Karaoke"-friendly Japanese pop music can sell in the millions, while even the most famous of foriegn artists may only reach a small percentage of sales within an equivalent market. Indeed, for genres such as Club Music and Hip-Hop, the situation is no better, but recent trends including a boom in DJing, local hit singles for Hip Hop artists and an unprecedented amount of local press coverage towards Hip Hop have created a market which is unignorable, certainly worthy of exploration. Local stores have been known to direct order thousands of copies of 12" singles at any one time, even gaining Japan a reputation as being Hip Hop "gluttonous" within US record shop circles.
This "guide" is written based on my own personal observations about the situation for overseas black music publishers / distributors and as such, I cannot take responsibility for any deviations from actual reality. Questions should be directed to the address above, and suggestions and changes are welcome. Complaints will be ignored.
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Strategy
Please be aware that Japan has numerous preconceptions about the "musical traditions" of various countries, and this can be particularly disadvantageous where the so-called "reality" of a Hip-Hop or related artist can be concerned. This means that even the most seemingly "down" Joe Hip Hop brat probably has very little interest, nor respect for Hip Hop produced outside of the US. Until recently this has resulted in a near black-listing of local Hip Hop as well, but kids are starting to catch on slowly. Generally speaking, Japanese Hip-Hop fans have fairly discerning tastes for the music, however alot of them are likely to depend largely on the recommendations of the local vinyl pusher, reviews in local magazines such as "Front," foreign magazines such as "Source," charts in Billboard, or in many cases, what they hear in the clubs. It may be wise to concentrate one's insertion strategy with these factors in mind. In particular, a one-two punch utilizing first the print media, and the aid of a distributor known for providing distribution in Japan.
About Distributors
It seems fairly clear (from my limited point of view) that until a proper local distribution network for imported music is created on the Japanese side, its probably not worth investigating shopping one's wares through Japanese distributors. In fact, there are no "purely" local distribution companies specializing in Black musics, and getting ones product out to major retail chains can be difficult at best.
There are a number of distributors in the US and UK that export regularly to Japan, however, and in countries such as Germany and France, certain distributors regularly send their lists to Japanese stores. It may be worthwile to check with the current distributors in your area about whether they supply lists to Japan, and if so, you may wish to confirm that they send them to as many of the following as possible:
1) The largest record chains operating in Japan (in order of store numbers (as of 1995)):
- Wave (48) / Tower (23) / HMV (10) / Virgin Megastore (5)
2) The following "core" dance music specialty stores known for importing vinyl:
- Manhattan (Shibuya Tokyo) / Cisco / DMR / Disk Union
3) And if possible, the following well-frequented mid-size chains:
- RecoFan / Ultra
Major chains and the specialty dance record shops probably provide the best, most likely to be successful outlets for black music in Japan, often even getting their goods out to the major chains and conducting mail-order in some cases. Unfortunately, mid-size chains and stores located outside of the largest of urban areas are notoriously unsuccessful, and therefore almost completely unwilling (with the notable exceptions of the two above) to deal in non-US black music (and even "Japanese Black Music" as well). By the way, it is important to be aware that the Japanese music industry considers it common sense that 85% of the music sold in the country is sold in Tokyo and Osaka alone, so it may be best to concentrate ones efforts only in these areas for the sake of efficiency.
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One Option.
Tokyo-based dance-specialty analog-record store "Manhattan" (strong in Hip-Hop) is also known for limited, but significant distribution of Hip-Hop vinyl to other similar record stores across the country. Up Above Records, for example, known for their projects with Key Kool and Rhettmatic with recent singles by LMNO and more soon, they have had decent insertion in the local Hip Hop market for the last couple years via Manhattan which in turn has also sold copies to other chains such as Tower Records, and DMR. Contacting them directly to arrange for limited distribution may be a valid possibility start for guaranteeing limited access to the specialty Dance vinyl market.
Manhattan Records
1st Floor,Mokusen Bldg.,10-1 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku
Tel:03-347707166
Also, note that stores such as Cisco and Fat Beats have branches in both NYC and Tokyo, and can be contacted in the states, regarding possible handling in Japan.
On Licensing.
Licensing is an extremely difficult proposition in Japan. Particularly strict copyright rules and a "music council" (JASRAC) which governs all music released on the island make it difficult for even underground labels to successfuly release music without paying gargantuan fees and royalties. Thus Japan is notorious for its pricing on locally published (AND LICENSED) product, while import items are sold for around 55% the cost of similar domestic items. This has even created a "reverse importing" phenomenon with artists from people such as Ryuichi Sakamoto to abstract hip hopper DJ Krush whose fans will usually buy the import versions of their material so as to save money.
This does not mean that there are no opportunities for licensing within Japan, but there are very few record labels doing it. Naturally such decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but I have added my opininons about possible labels to inquire within the "labels" list below.
On Air Promotion.
Unlike many countries, Japan has very little representation for Hip-Hop and other "underground" club genres on the radio. While TV, particularly cable TV has limited outlets for coverage, until conditions improve, it probably better to concentrate ones efforts on other arenas, particularly print, for publicity.
Print Promotion.
Japan has numerous "club-related" magazines which will provide considerable free coverage when given the opportunity. Two _must_ recommendations for demo packages include "Remix" and "Music Magazine." Both provide decent coverage of Hip-Hop and other non-pop genres, and many record stores refer to these magazines's reviews prior to making orders for new material. While there are many other magazines available such as "Black Music Review," "Front," "Zero" (pending (hahahaha) we're working on it), "Bar-F-Out" and others. While its true that these latter magazines are particularly useful directly reaching your buyers market, in terms of wooing the stores themselves, I advise first that one aims at the two magazines below. Other magazine contacts are listed following:
(*) Music Magazine - TEL: 03/3263-3241 / FAX: 03/3263-3276
(all-genre, wide readership, referred to significantly by record stores)
Kitazawa Building 8F
2-5 Kanda Kanbocho
Chiyodaku Tokyo 101
JAPAN
(*) Remix Magazine - TEL: 03/5458-0012 / FAX: 03/5458-0013
(dance-genre specialty. Strong in Hip-Hop, "underground" dance genres (Cosmic Soul/Trance/Trip Hop), and independent alternative)
Hidekazu Residence 604
29-24 Sakuragaoka
Shibuyaku Tokyo 150
JAPAN
Black Music Review - TEL: 03-3460-8611 - FAX: 03-3460-8618
(Black Music coverage, primarily US soul, R&B, Hip Hop and Jamaican Reggae)
c/o Blues Interactions
2-41-10 Tomigaya
Shibuyaku, Tokyo 151
Front -
(Black Music coverage, primarily US R&B, Hip-Hop, some Japanese Hip Hop
coverage)
c/o Crossbeat Editorial Department
1-14 Kanda-Nishikichou
Chiyodaku, Tokyo 101
Zero - TEL/FAX: 03/5999-08188
(All Hip Hop with concentration on Japanese scene. Limited coverage of US underground Hip Hop, progressive Rap and international Hip Hop)
(please send mail to zero_mag@cyborg.or.jp for more info)
Others:
Bar-F-Out - TEL: 03/3498-7488 / FAX: 03/3498-7482
(Decent international mix of primarily Acid Jazz & Soul with limited local Rap coverage)
TCRC
Maison Hirayama
5-46-16 Jingumae
Shibuyaku Tokyo 150
Ele-King -
(Techno)
Groove
Contact at Labels.
LABEL INFO UP TO DATE AS OF January 1997 AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Please be prepared to have some difficulty with communications as Japan's English-comprehension rate can be notoriously low. If there are any difficulties with communications, or if I can help in easing talks with any of these labels please let me know. Labels known to conduct (P)romotions or (L)icensing or (J)oint projects with overseas artists are marked as such.
HIP-HOP RECORD COMPANYS
o File Records
o Next Level (J)
(will apparently conduct direct mail order upon request)
TEL: 03-3476-0123 FAX: 03-3476-0124
Artists: Rhymester, Mellow Yellow, R.I.P. Slyme, Cool Spoon, Microphone
Pager, Soul Scream
o Entotsu Records (P,J)
Artists: Kaminari, Lamp Eye
MINOR LABELS WITH HIP-HOP ARTISTS
Edoya Records
TEL: 03-3770-1600 FAX: 03-3770-1792
Artists: Tokyo No.1 Soul Set
P-Vine (Blues International) (P,L)
TEL: 03-3460-8611 FAX: 03-
Artists: King Giddra
MAJOR LABELS WITH HIP-HOP ARTISTS
Cutting Edge (Avex Trax) (Dai ni(2) Seisaku) (L,P)
TEL: 03-3486-2805 FAX: 03-5467-2582
Artists: You the Rock, Kimidori, ECD, Buddha Brand, Ha-C, Shakkazombie
Sony Records (G's Factory Division) (L,J,P)
TEL: 03-3266-5900 FAX: 03-3266-5072
Artists: DJ Krush, DJ Honda
Epic/Sony (A&R ni(2)bu: Mr. Hamano Tarou) (J)
TEL: 03-3475-7220 FAX: 03-3475-7221
Artists: Dassen 3, East End x Yuri, RIM
Ki/oon Sony
TEL: 03-3796-3500 FAX: 03-3796-1202
Artists: Scha Dara Parr (->1994)
Natural Records (Toy's Factory Records)
TEL: 03-3400-3541 FAX:
Artists: Naohirock & Suzuki Smooth, Kasekisaidaa
Nippon Crown (J)
TEL: 03-3582-4741 FAX: 03-3589-2193
Artists: Akira (formerly Crazy-A), Zingi
Pony Canyon
TEL: 03-3555-6711 FAX: 03-3555-6801
Artists: Gas Boys
Taurus Records
TEL: 03-3499-7080 FAX: 03-3400-2509
Artists: GK Maryan
Toshiba EMI (Seisaku I(1)kka: Ms. Machiko Tokunaga)
TEL: 03-3587-9056 FAX: 03-3587-9057
Artists: Scha Dara Parr (1995->)
Vortex Records (Otanoshimi Kenkyuujo) Mr. Kakurai (J)
TEL: 03-3797-0051 FAX: 03-3797-0048
Artists: Lamp Eye, Maki & Taiki, Hase-T, Yotsukaido Nature, Twigy
Victor Entertainment (Avion Group)
TEL: 03-3746-5729 FAX: 03-3746-5741
Artists: EDU
Contact at Resellers.
(Hip Hop strong resellers (H) and those known for doing mail order (M) and
distribution (D) are marked accordingly)
Banana Records (Import & Domestic Used CD,LP,12')
3rd Floor, Jinnan Kougyou Bldg,1-20-10 Jinnan,Shibuya-ku
Tel:03-3477-2374 Open 11:00~20:00
Beat Collector's (Import New&Used 12')
7th Floor,Emerald Bldg.,12-7 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3770-1283 Open 12:00~21:00
(H,D,M) **** Cisco (Import&Domestic New & Used Records)
2F Yanagimitsu Bldg., 11-1 Udagawa-Cho, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3462-0366 Open 11:00~21:00
(H,D,M)** Dance Music Records (Import New&Used 12',LP)
2nd Basement Floor,World Udagawa Bldg.,36-6 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3477-1556 14:00~22:00
(H,D,M)* Disk Union No.3 (Import New&Used 12',LP,CD)
4th Floor,Antena21,30-7 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3461-1161 Open 11:00~20:00
(H,M)* DJ's Choice (Import New&Used 12',LP)
2nd Floor,Dai2 Bnshou Bldg.,1-9-10 Jinnan,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
tel:03-3780-6722 Open 12:00~20:00
HMV (Import&Domestic New CD,12')
Basement&Ground&2nd Floor,ONE.OH.NINE,28-6 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3477-6880 Open 10:00~22:00
Hunter's (Import&Domestic Used CD,LP,12')
2nd Floor,Kouen Bldg.,1-15-7 Jinnan,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3462-2741 Open 11:00~20:00
Liverpool (Import&Domestic New 12',LP,CD)
3rd Floor,Kondou Bldg.,31-9 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3496-5663 Open 12:30~22:30
(H,D,M)*** Manhattan Records (Import New&Used 12',LP)
1st Floor,Mokusen Bldg.,10-1 Udagawa-Cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-347707166 Open 12:00~21:00(Sat./Sun.11:00~)
(M) Perfect Circle (Import Used 12',LP)
Ground Floor,Shinwa Bldg.,9-17 Sakuragaoka,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3496-0509 Open 10:00~22:00
(H) Quattro Wave (Import&Domestic New CD,LP,12')
Ground&2nd&3rd Floor,Quattro by Parco,33-13 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
tel:03-3477-8800 Open 10:00~21:00
R&B Record Exchange (Import Used LP,12')
316,Noah Dougenzaka,2-15-1 Dougenzaka,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3461-1373 Open 12:00~20:00
Recofan Shibuya Beam Shop (Import&Domestic New&Used CD,LP,12')
4th Floor,Shibuya Beam,31-2 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-5454-0161 Open 11:00~20:00
Recofan Shibuya Tokyu-Hands Mae Shop (Import&Domestic New&Used CD,LP,12')
Ground&2nd Floor,Nishimura Bldg.,36-6 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-5454-0161 Open 12:00~21:00
Sam's Record Shop (Import New&Used 12',LP)
2nd Floor,Dai2 Ishikawa Bldg.,3-8-7 Shibuya,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-5485-6789 Open 11:00~21:00
Tower Records (Import&Domestic New CD,12')
1-22-14 Jinnan,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3496-3661 Open 10:00~22:00
(M)** Ultra (Import&Domestic New&Used CD,LP,12')
2nd Floor,Park Bldg.,10-1 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3461-6805 Open 10:30~21:00(Sat./Sun.~22:00)
(M) Ultra 3 (Import&Domestic New&Used CD,LP,12')
2nd Floor,Toyoda Bldg.,36-4 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3461-5845 Open 10:30~21:00(Fri./Sat.~22:00)
(M) Ultra 4 (Import&Domestic New&Used LP,12')
3rd Floor,NC Bldg.,1-9-4 Jinnan,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3461-3365 Open 10:30~21:00(Fri./Sat.~22:00)
View Records (Import Used LP,12')
204,City Court Shoutou,1-29-24 Shoutou,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3770-3320 Open 12:00~20:30
Wave (Import&Domestic New CD,12',LP)
6th Floor,Seibu Loft,21-1,Udagawa-Cho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3462-3118 Open 11:00~20:00
Wax Trax Records (Import New&Used 12',LP)
402,Dai2 Iwashita Bldg.,1-10-7 Jinnan,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3461-1373 Open 12:00~20:00
Yellow Pop (Import&Domestic Used CD,12',LP)
Shin Tokyo Bldg.,10-2 Udagawa-Cho,Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:03-3476-3276 Open 11:00~22:00(Sun.21:00)
Contact TtM for more informations
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