The Philosophy of HearJapan

I don’t need to tell the fans of Japanese music how frustrating it can be to be a fan of Japanese music. For starters, the information available on the bands we love is sparse, and the CDs are near impossible to get without swimming through a sea of Japanese. On-line import shops would be the next best thing, but they are over-priced, take a long time for delivery, and don’t register with the labels as a foreign sale. With all that said, the chance to see your favorite Japanese band live in concert may only come once in a lifetime!

We at HearJapan are trying to change that.

We know, just as you know, that Japanese music is THRIVING outside of Japan.

We know, just as you know, that Japanese bands should be REGULARLY TOURING outside of Japan.

We know, just as you know, that proving those two simple facts to Japanese record companies is a CHALLENGE.

But, we have a plan, and it starts right here at HearJapan.

All of the artists and labels that you see on this site, are part of a movement of Japanese record companies/artists/management companies, that can HEAR YOU from all the way across the ocean and are trying their hardest to figure out a way to get their artists out to see you. In fact, the companies sign with HearJapan as a way to connect directly with the fans outside of Japan and to test the market. They are asking themselves questions like, “Are people checking out our artists?”, “Are people downloading the tracks?”, “If we sent our artists out on a tour, would anyone show up?”.

We at HearJapan want more than anything to tell these companies “yes, yes, and yes”.

HearJapan fully acknowledges that Mp3 sharing is the force responsible for the phenomenal growth in the popularity of Japanese music, and we don’t want to alienate those who have spent so much of their time promoting these great bands. We would simply like to offer a legal way to enjoy Japanese music and all the while showing the artists that they have your support. We would love to hear your comments and suggestions.

Please help us spread the word!