J-Pop Artists to Finally Earn Mall Royalties Under New Japan Music Royalty Law 2026

J-pop stars are about to get a long-overdue pay raise. According to a report by Nikkei, Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs is set to propose legal changes that will allow singers and session musicians to collect usage fees when their music is played in shopping centers and commercial facilities.

Japan J-pop Music Royalty Law: Aligning with Global Standards

Currently, Japanese performers collect zero royalties when their music is used at commercial facilities at home and abroad. This outdated system has lagged behind international practices as streaming and digital consumption take off. The proposed amendment aims to bring Japan’s copyright framework in line with overseas standards, ensuring that performers receive a fair share of the revenue generated by their work.

The move is seen as a strategic push to bolster the economic sustainability of the J-pop industry. By establishing a new revenue stream for artists, the Japanese government hopes to foster a more robust creative environment. This change follows the global trend where neighboring markets and major Western economies have long recognized the rights of performers in commercial public spaces.