This is an interesting article about US companies that have went out of business but are still thriving in Japan. But the real gem here is the explanation of why Tower Records is still working. Japan's music industry is so much different.

https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/made-in-america-u.s.-brands-that-became-japanese?

It's sort of funny that the meme is that Japan is behind the times because they still use mostly physical media. But it's less about embracing tech, and more about laws that protect creators. I know small to mid-tier musicians here who make a living doing their work.

Meanwhile, I know multiple platinum recording artists in the US who can sometimes recoup their budget if they do a successful Kickstarter. Most have moved on to consulting, teaching, or software development work because music doesn't pay the bills.

It's interesting because both the laws and culture in Japan have acknowledged and embraced some basic realities of creative work. If I see a street performer in Tokyo, I can buy their CD for $20-30. They're not begging for my $5.

Right now, if I walk into Tower Records, a lot of popular bands will have their new releases for $30-40. I remember in the US, complaining when a CD was over $10. But that was before I knew the realities of creative professional work.

There's also a different culture on the consumer side. Most of those $40 CDs are also a DVD with a video and some fun extras. It's never "just an album." The CD release isn't just a vehicle for music delivery—it's a coherent, unique, packaged experience.

But the idea that the law exists to keep big retailers from undercutting independent stores is a huge fucking deal. It maintains respectable margins. Hell, if I buy a used CD here, there's a good chance it'll cost more than a new album in the US.

This is a thing I've been thinking about a lot in terms of game development. If I'm beating myself up over a 360 page book, why should I scramble to charge the least possible dollar amount I can for it? I should respect my art, and my craft.

The gamers in my feed might be shocked to know that video games also have non-standardized pricing in Japan. Whereas in the US, all new releases are $60, in Japan, most are. But massive sprawling 70 hour RPGs might be $90. Nobody bats an eye at that.