The popularity of master ringtones, also known as truetones, in Japan is a significant milestone in the world of mobile technology. The Association of Independent Music (AIM) and Tower Mobile have joined forces to bring master ringtones to Japanese consumers. Japanese mobile technology provider Crosswarp will deliver the actual tones, which are created from actual song clips.
Master ringtones have taken Japan by storm, and they offer a unique and personalized way for mobile users to express themselves and their musical tastes. They have become the hottest mobile content commodity in Japan, with approximately 10 billion Yen (£52million, $93.2million) in sales in 2003. This trend has continued to grow, and it is expected to keep on rising.
The deal between AIM and Tower Mobile was orchestrated by AIM’s new media arm, Musicindie. Tower Mobile is the mobile division of Tower Records Japan. The partnership aims to tap into the growing demand for master ringtones and offer Japanese consumers a wider range of choices.
Master ringtones are not just a hit in Japan, but also in other countries. In the United States, for instance, truetones were launched in 2004. They were created by recording artists, producers, and engineers, and they quickly became popular among music lovers.
The availability of master ringtones is a significant development for the Japanese music industry. It offers music fans a new way to experience their favorite songs and artists. The popularity of master ringtones has also provided a new revenue stream for the music industry, which is struggling to adapt to the digital age.
According to the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ), the Japanese music market has been declining since peaking in 1998. The RIAJ reported that in 2020, the total value of the Japanese music industry was about 240 billion yen ($2.3 billion), a decrease of 4.7% compared to the previous year. The decline was mainly due to the decrease in physical sales, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray Discs.
However, the decline in physical sales has been partially offset by the growth of digital music sales, including master ringtones. In 2020, the value of digital music sales in Japan was about 137 billion yen ($1.3 billion), an increase of 15.4% compared to the previous year. Digital music sales accounted for 57% of the total music market in Japan, up from 51% in 2019.
“Master ringtones offer a unique opportunity for music companies to tap into the mobile market and reach a new audience,” said Alison Wenham, Chairman and CEO of AIM. “We believe that this partnership will help to strengthen our presence in the Japanese market and provide new opportunities for independent music.”
The partnership between AIM and Tower Mobile is just the latest example of the growing trend of collaboration between music companies and mobile technology providers. As the music industry continues to evolve, companies are looking for new ways to reach consumers and generate revenue. Master ringtones offer a unique opportunity for music companies to tap into the mobile market and reach a new audience.
With the increasing demand for mobile content, it is essential for music companies to adapt and embrace new technologies. Master ringtones are just one example of how the industry is evolving, and there are sure to be many more innovations in the years ahead.
In conclusion, the partnership between AIM and Tower Mobile represents an exciting opportunity for both companies to expand their presence in the Japanese market and offer consumers a unique and personalized way to experience their favorite music. With the growing demand for mobile content, it is essential for music companies to embrace new technologies and find innovative ways to reach consumers. Master ringtones are just the beginning, and we can expect to see many more exciting developments in the years ahead.
