Japan boasts a complicated music market, where CDs are still the dominant listening format. Subscription streaming platforms tripled their revenue generated between 2013 and 2014. Despite the apparent value of that statement, the 5.6 billion yen from streaming is projected to be only 3% of the entire market income.
Line Music’s affiliation with Line, the tech company with an already popular messaging app, could help increase its adoption in Japan, especially if the major labels agree to get involved. The service has launched as a test phase in Thailand.