K-Pop's Streaming Power in Japan: NewJeans, aespa, BTS & Rosé Earn Major RIAJ Certifications

Leading K-Pop Acts Solidify Mainstream Success in Japanese Digital Market

Top-tier K-Pop artists, including NewJeans, aespa, BTS, and BLACKPINK’s Rosé, have once again demonstrated their immense popularity in Japan, the world's second-largest music market. The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) has awarded a new batch of official certifications for streaming, with these artists earning honors including Triple Platinum and Gold status.

This achievement highlights K-Pop's successful pivot to the digital-first landscape of the Japanese music industry. In 2020, the RIAJ adapted to evolving consumption habits by launching a new certification system specifically for online streaming, supplementing its long-standing systems for physical album shipments and digital download sales.

According to the RIAJ's system, a song is certified Gold for surpassing 50 million streams, Platinum for 100 million, and Triple Platinum for an impressive 300 million streams. The fact that multiple K-Pop acts secured these high-level certifications simultaneously indicates their music has crossed over from dedicated fanbases to the general public's daily listening playlists.

PRISM Insight: This latest wave of certifications signals a crucial shift: K-Pop has successfully transitioned from a fandom-driven force in Japan's physical market to a mainstream staple in its rapidly growing streaming ecosystem. It's no longer just about dedicated album buyers; K-Pop is now embedded in the daily digital listening habits of a new generation of Japanese consumers.