Weak copyright laws force Canadian companies to eye Japanese market

The Canadian Independent Record Production Association (CIRPA) will lead a delegation of 20 Canadian record companies to Japan early as next month in hopes of boosting sales for a Canadian market that has shrunk by 14% this year – primarily as a result of weak copyright laws that allow Internet downloading, and a slow migration to digital platforms like mobile phones. Japan’s music market is estimated at $5 billion a year, making it the world’s second largest market for pre-recorded music. What also makes this market attractive for artists in Canada is that 25% of this market is open to international music. As well, Japan has strict copyright laws that have largely succeeded in curbing pirated music sales. “If you’ve got a pretty good act—and Canadian acts are generally recognized there as good quality—you could do fairly well,” says CIRPA president/CEO Duncan McKie, adding that last year musicians Avril Lavigne and Daniel Powter were top on Japanese music charts. The trip to Japan follows a similar journey undertaken last year, which McKie says resulted in Canadian record companies garnering commitments worth $1.2 million from Japanese distributers. McKie says he hopes for more good news this year, but adds that the purpose of these visits is also to build long-term relationships. “What is important is the accumulation of a network of distribution opportunities that people can use years from now and not so much the immediate results”, he says. To showcase Canadian music to the Japanese public, the CIRPA is staging a concert in downtown Tokyo – some 650 people are expected to attend. The concert will be headlined by Bedouin Soundclash, a classical rock, soul and ska band from Kingston, ON. McKie also says plans are afoot to expand into other markets in Asia, particularly Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Korea. Twelve music executives from these countries are expected to travel to Japan to meet CIRPA officials next month. Touching on why the domestic market is shrinking, McKie says Canadians hardly pay for music, preferring free downloads. He blamed this on laws that protect user-rights at the detriment of copyright holders. In addition he blames poor distribution methods in Canada for the sluggish sales, saying distribution platforms (including digital) have to be enhanced for the record industry to make profit. Digital platforms are crucial in the era of increased broadband usage and McKie says they have to be enhanced on different platforms so that users can get music not only on the computer but on cellphones. “For instance, you could get music on your mobile as part of your subscription to Telus or whatever”, he says. Participating Canadian companies and organizations include:Bijou recordsBumstead ProductionsCanadian Music WeekCurve MusicCutoDEJA MusiqueDine Alone MusicFinkelstein ManagementMapleMusic RecordingsMusic BCOpak MediaPaper Bag RecordsSecret City RecordsSomerset EntertainmentStomp Records/Union Label GroupUpper Class RecordingsOntario Media Development Corporation

Weak copyright laws force Canadian companies to eye Japanese market

News | 10/20/2008 9:12 pm EDT

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