Performers and record companies in Japan will now receive royalties when their recordings are played in public venues, following an amendment to the country’s Copyright Act.
Japan’s copyright framework distinguishes between authors’ rights, covering songwriters and composers, and neighboring rights, which protect performers and record producers. Until now, only authors and music publishers were entitled to royalties for background music in spaces such as cafes, hotels, and gyms.
On June 17, an amendment to the Copyright Act introduced a record performance and communication right, extending royalty obligations to include performers and record companies for both domestic and overseas public playback.
The change is designed to direct revenue to artists and labels and to support the international expansion of Japanese music. A government-designated body will be responsible for collecting and distributing the new fees.
