Japan Amends Copyright Legislation for Public Performance of Recordings

Performers and record companies in Japan will now receive royalties when their recordings are played in public spaces such as cafes, hotels, and gyms, both domestically and overseas.

Why it matters:

• Japan’s copyright system distinguishes between authors’ rights (songwriters, composers) and neighboring rights (performers, record producers).

• Traditionally, only songwriters, composers, and music publishers received royalties when their recordings were played as background music in Japanese public spaces.

• A June 17 amendment to Japan’s Copyright Act, and the introduction of the record performance and communication right, extends those payments to performers and record companies.

• The reform aims to channel money to artists and labels and to support the overseas growth of Japanese music, as per Music Business Worldwide.

The logistics:

• A government-designated body will collect and distribute the fees.

• The rates are yet to be determined.