JASRAC
Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers
Japan's society; world's 2nd-largest music market.
About JASRAC
JASRAC is Japan's primary collective management organization for musical works. Japan is the world's second-largest music market (after the United States), making JASRAC one of the most significant collection societies globally.
JASRAC manages both performance and mechanical rights for its members and for international rights holders through reciprocal agreements. The Japanese music market is unique in its continued strong physical sales (CDs remain significant) alongside growing streaming revenue.
JASRAC collected over ¥120 billion (approximately $800 million) in royalties in recent years. Its comprehensive licensing covers everything from broadcasting and streaming to karaoke — a massive industry in Japan that generates significant royalty revenue.
How JASRAC works
Comprehensive Japanese Coverage
JASRAC licenses virtually all commercial music use in Japan — broadcasting, streaming, physical reproduction, karaoke, live performance, and background music.
Karaoke Revenue
Japan's massive karaoke industry is a unique revenue source. JASRAC collects both performance and mechanical royalties from karaoke operators, bars, and home karaoke services.
Physical Market
Unlike most markets, Japan still has robust CD sales. JASRAC collects significant mechanical royalties from physical reproduction that have declined elsewhere.
International Distribution
JASRAC distributes royalties to foreign rights holders through reciprocal agreements with international societies, or directly to registered publishers.
Why JASRAC matters for songwriters
Japan is served by JASRAC for performance & mechanical royalties. Without direct registration, international songwriters rely on reciprocal agreements — which typically add 12–24 months of delay before royalties reach you.
Frequently asked questions about JASRAC
Why is Japan so important for royalties?
Japan is the #2 music market globally. It also has unique revenue sources like karaoke and sustained physical CD sales, making total royalty generation higher per capita than most countries.
How long does it take to collect from JASRAC?
Through reciprocal agreements, Japanese royalties can take 18-24 months to reach US songwriters. A publishing administrator with direct JASRAC registration can reduce this significantly.
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