#Japan #Shinagawa #BEENOS #Japanese Music #Buyee

Introduction to the Survey on Japanese Music and Cross-Border E-Commerce

BEENOS Inc., based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, conducted a comprehensive survey involving 375 overseas users of its cross-border e-commerce service, Buyee. This study aims to uncover how Japanese music resonates with international fans, focusing on their initial encounters with the genre, their appreciation for the music beyond language barriers, purchasing intentions for merchandise, and interest in attending live events.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey revealed insightful data regarding overseas fans' relationship with Japanese music:

• - J-POP Dominance: Over 70% reported that their first exposure to Japanese music was through J-POP, primarily through anime theme songs (36.9%).
• - Enjoyment of Music Beyond Lyrics: 50.2% of respondents enjoy the sound and resonance of Japanese lyrics without fully understanding their meaning.
• - Purchasing Behavior: A significant 82% of respondents purchase physical media like CDs and DVDs, indicating a strong value placed on collectible items.
• - High Spending on Merchandise: 22.2% reported spending over 300,000 yen on Japanese music-related merchandise.
• - Live Event Interest: Approximately 70% of respondents expressed a strong desire to attend live concerts.

Niche Genres and Diverse Interests

When exploring the types of Japanese music that fans listen to, results showed a preference for a variety of genres. The most popular were:

• - Pop and J-POP (77% prevalence): This indicates a mainstay for casual listeners.
• - Anime Songs and Vocaloid (58.6%): This genre shows the importance of anime in introducing fans to Japanese music culture.
• - Rock, Punk, and Metal (50.4%): These genres are particularly appealing to a devoted audience.

Interestingly, specific free-text responses revealed that fans also enjoy genres such as Visual Kei and 80s idol music, illustrating the increasing diversity in global tastes.

The Importance of Physical Media and Collectibles

Physical copies of music continue to hold significant value for fans. Responses indicated:

• - Collecting Values: 82% reported purchasing CDs and DVDs as part of their collection, with 47.6% of them showing interest in limited-edition items, which are often seen as collectibles.
• - High Spending Power: The survey highlighted the substantial financial commitment overseas fans are willing to make, with a large portion spending significant amounts on their favorite artists and genres.

Challenges Faced by International Fans

Despite their enthusiasm, overseas fans face challenges when it comes to accessing official merchandise. The survey identified several barriers:

• - Accessibility of Official Goods: 33.4% of respondents indicated difficulty in purchasing official merchandise from abroad, with 21.1% noting prohibitively high shipping costs.
• - Live Event Participation: Nevertheless, 47% stated they would attend concerts if they had the opportunity and budget, with 21.4% indicating they have already traveled for such events. A resounding 58.1% expressed a desire for more concerts in their regions.

Conclusion

In essence, the findings illuminate the growing global interest in Japanese music fueled largely by anime culture. This connection underlines the urgent need for better accessibility and support for international fans wishing to partake in this vibrant entertainment culture. Companies like BEENOS continue to play an essential role in bridging these gaps through enhanced cross-border e-commerce solutions, allowing more fans to access Japanese music and related merchandise.

About BEENOS

Established in 1999, BEENOS has been a leader in global commerce for over 18 years, offering cross-border e-commerce services that connect Japanese products with international consumers. Their services enable domestic businesses to reach markets across 120 countries, promoting cultural exchange and accessibility to Japanese goods.