Google Play Music launches in Japan

google play logo canvasGoogle has launched its Play Music streaming service in Japan. A subscription will cost ¥980 per month, but Google is offering the first 30 days as a free trial. For those who register by Oct. 18, they will lock in a discounted monthly rate of ¥780. The service will be available on Android smartphones and tablets and on iPhones.

There are few internationally known streaming platforms active in Japan, a market that still shows strong preference for physical formats over digital ones. For example, in 2014, Japan’s recorded music industry saw subscription streaming revenue of ¥5.6 billion, while CD sages were ¥184.1 billion. Streaming is on the grow, increasing its revenue 43% in the first half of this year, but it still has a long way to go in convincing and converting listeners.

Anna Washenko