Rhapsody and Sony Music Entertainment Japan launch high-res streaming service

Rhapsody and Sony Music Entertainment Japan have officially launched their mora qualitas streaming service in Japan. The platform, initially unveiled in December 2018, offers high-resolution music from the Sony catalog, as well as libraries from other labels and distributors. The catalog will include international artists as well as Japanese performers. It is backed by Rhapsody’s Powered by Napster platform. Subscriptions will cost 1,980 yen (~18.50) per month.

As with many on-demand streaming services, mora qualitas will have music recommendations, curated playlists, and new releases available. The service is launching on both Windows and Mac desktops, with plans to add iOS and Android mobile apps in the future.

“Sony is taking high resolution sound quality to new heights. We’re building on the success of Mora, our original high res download service in Japan, and after six years we’re in tune with what our customers want from their streaming audio provider,” said Shigeki Tanaka, senior vice president of Sony Music Entertainment Japan. “We chose Napster as our trusted partner because they have the global music experience, sophisticated API and passion to help us launch Japan’s new premier service.”

“The world of streaming is accelerating and as great companies like Sony Music Entertainment Japan expand into streaming audio, it’s an exciting time for the industry overall,” said Brian Ringer, Rhapsody’s executive vice president and general manager for Asia Pacific. “With the introduction of mora qualitas, music and audio fans in Japan can easily stream their favorite music in high resolution audio.”

Anna Washenko