A UK music industry trade mission to Japan is set to take place from 18 – 25th August 2023, providing an open door for music businesses to explore business opportunities in the world’s third largest economy.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in partnership with UK record labels association, the BPI (British Phonographic Industry) and Creative Man (Tokyo), are organising this music mission to Japan, which will take place in Tokyo. The event will include delegates attending the Summer Sonic Festival

Japan Music revenues totalled US$2.8 billion in 2022 with growth of 5.4%. The market added US$140 million in revenue. Japan remained the largest market in the region, accounting for close to half (45.9%) of Asia’s revenues.

The revenue growth in Japan came from both physical and digital formats. Japan remained the largest physical market globally, accounting for around a third of sales (with a share of 33.2% in 2022, down slightly from the 33.8% that was reported in 2021). The market’s physical revenues increased by 2.3%, which equated to revenue growth of US$35 million, taking the total to US$1.5 billion in 2022. This growth was driven by an increase in CD revenue.

The mission will act as a catalyst for collaboration, exploration and expansion of the British music industry in Japan. It will include a programme of education, networking, B2B meetings, music company site visits and other music related activities including the aforementioned 2 days at Summer Sonic Festival.

Chris Tams, BPI Director, Independent Member Services, said:

“I’m delighted that the BPI and DBT are re-starting the Trade Mission to Japan, especially this year as we are working with Creative Man and their excellent Summer Sonic Festival. Japan has always been a strong territory for UK Music exports, and with a robust physical market along with an expanding digital market it remains an important destination.”

Artists, managers, promoters, record labels, music publishers, digital distribution companies, festival bookers/directors/organisers and promoters, covering all genres of music are being invited to participate and the mission organisers will be tailoring certain aspects of the program to suit all delegates.

Mission registration is just £200.00 + VAT per delegate, including access to the Summer Sonic Festival, but please note that all travel, accommodation and other costs will need to be covered by delegates. Some of the planned activities will include relevant site visits, as well as opportunities for B2B meetings and networking with opinion leaders and industry professionals.