K-Pop Dominance: RIAJ Certifications Signal StreamingS Future in Japan

The landscape of music consumption continues to evolve,and Japan,a key player in the global music industry,is no exception. The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) certifications serve as a powerful barometer of this shift, highlighting the growing importance of online streaming. In May 2025, the RIAJ announced its latest certifications, underscoring the rising prominence of K-Pop acts like BIGBANG, (G)I-DLE, BABYMONSTER, and iKON in the Japanese streaming market. These certifications not only celebrate artistic achievement but also offer insights into future trends shaping the music industry.

RIAJ Streaming Certifications: A New Era for Music

In 2020, the RIAJ introduced a certification system for online streaming, acknowledging the increasing shift from physical sales and digital downloads to streaming platforms. This system awards certifications based on cumulative streams: silver (30 million), gold (50 million), and platinum (100 million). This framework reflects how fans engage wiht music in the digital age.

• Silver: 30 Million Streams
• Gold: 50 Million Streams
• Platinum: 100 million Streams

BIGBANG’s Enduring Hit: “Fantastic Baby” Achieves Platinum Status

Making waves in May 2025, BIGBANG’s iconic track, “fantastic Baby,” secured a platinum certification from the RIAJ, surpassing 100 million streams in Japan. This milestone highlights the group’s enduring popularity and the song’s lasting impact on the music scene.

Gold Rush: (G)I-DLE,BABYMONSTER,and iKON Earn Gold Certifications

Adding to the excitement,(G)I-DLE’s “nxde,” BABYMONSTER’s “DRIP,” and iKON’s “Love scenario” (Korean version) each achieved gold certifications, reaching 50 million streams in japan. This accomplishment demonstrates the diversity and growing global influence of K-Pop.

The simultaneous certifications of these diverse artists showcase the wide-ranging appeal of K-pop in Japan. Each group brings a unique sound and style, resonating with different segments of the audience and contributing to the genre’s overall growth in the region.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Diving into Streaming Data

The rise in streaming certifications also indicates a shift in how music is consumed. According to the IFPI’s Global Music Report 2024, streaming accounted for 67% of global music revenue, highlighting its meaning in the modern music industry.

This data underscores the importance of streaming in the music industry’s revenue model. Artists and labels are increasingly focusing on strategies to maximize their presence on streaming platforms, recognizing that these platforms are now the primary source of income for many.

Future Trends: What’s Next for K-Pop and Japanese Streaming?

Based on recent trends, several future developments are anticipated:

• Increased Collaboration: Expect more collaborations between K-pop artists and Japanese musicians, further bridging cultural gaps and expanding audiences.
• Platform-Specific Strategies: Tailoring content to specific streaming platforms (like spotify, Apple Music, and Line music) will become crucial for maximizing reach and engagement.
• Interactive Experiences: Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) concerts might enhance the streaming experience,offering fans immersive ways to connect with their favorite artists.

Table: RIAJ Streaming Certification Levels

Reader Engagement

How do you think interactive streaming experiences will change how we consume music? what other strategies might artists use to gain traction in the Japanese streaming market?

FAQ: Understanding RIAJ Streaming Certifications

How can Japanese artists increase their chances of achieving RIAJ gold or platinum certification through targeted marketing campaigns?

K-Pop Dominance: Interview with Music Industry Analyst, Kenji Tanaka, on Streaming in Japan

Archyde News Editor: Welcome, everyone, to Archyde. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kenji Tanaka, a leading music industry analyst specializing in the Japanese market. Kenji-san, thanks for joining us.

Kenji Tanaka: It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me.

Archyde News Editor: The Recording industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) certifications have been making headlines. recently, several K-Pop acts, including BIGBANG, (G)I-DLE, BABYMONSTER, and iKON, achieved notable milestones. Can you elaborate on the importance of these certifications?

Kenji Tanaka: Absolutely. These RIAJ certifications are a clear indicator of K-Pop’s rising influence in Japan. The streaming landscape is changing rapidly. For BIGBANG to reach platinum status with “Fantastic Baby,” surpassing 100 million streams, demonstrates their enduring popularity. Gold certifications for (G)I-DLE, BABYMONSTER, and iKON, with 50 million streams each, further illustrate the genre’s diverse appeal and growing presence in the Japanese music market.

Archyde News Editor: The shift from physical sales to streaming is undeniable, globally and now especially within Japan. How crucial are streaming certifications compared to customary metrics like album sales?

Kenji Tanaka: Streaming certifications have become incredibly critically important. While physical sales remain relevant, especially for established artists, streaming is becoming the primary revenue source for many.As mentioned in the IFPI’s Global Music Report 2024, streaming is now a major part of how the industry generates revenue. The RIAJ system validates the success and relevance of a song among a wider audience that is more willing to listen on different streaming platforms. Getting consistent streams proves that a song is more than just a one-time buy – it is indeed something that audiences want to listen to again and again.

Archyde News Editor: You’ve mentioned the importance of streaming platforms. Which platforms are the most dominant in Japan, and how do artists tailor their strategies for each?

Kenji Tanaka: While the exact market splits change, Spotify, Apple Music, and Line Music are very popular in Japan. Artists need to cater campaigns to each platform’s strengths. Such as,playlists are crucial on Spotify,while Apple Music’s curated radio stations can offer exposure.Using features like Line Music’s social listening can further boost visibility. Also, a targeted content creation strategy, combined with the use of popular Japanese influencers, will always boost the streams.

Archyde News Editor: Looking ahead, many expect increased collaboration between K-Pop and Japanese artists. Do you anticipate any other significant trends shaping the future of streaming in Japan?

Kenji Tanaka: Definitely. We’ll likely see increased collaboration. Beyond that, personalized experiences are trending. I also think we will see some advanced streaming platform features which can allow K-Pop artists to further get into the Japanese market. Also, I anticipate more artists exploring interactive streaming experiences, like AR and VR concerts. These technologies offer fans immersive ways to connect with music, offering even deeper and closer experiences to their favorite artists.

Archyde News Editor: This brings us to an interesting point. What do you think about the possibility of immersive experiences changing the way fans listen to music?

Kenji Tanaka: Well, it’s like a new, exciting playground. I think that technology offers a lot of opportunities for fans to engage with music. Fans will be able to experience intimate concerts from their homes. The experiences can become unique and memorable.However, the key is: The artist needs to prioritize how the experience will be shared with the audience, making sure the focus is on the interaction between the artist and the fans. Will this become an emerging strategy in Japan?

Archyde news Editor: Finally Kenji-san, what advice would you give to artists looking to gain traction in the Japanese streaming market and achieve RIAJ certifications?

Kenji Tanaka: Consistency is key. Artists need to focus on consistent content creation and promotion. In addition, you have two primary methods: First of all, building a strong presence on social media to engage with fans, and of course, using targeted marketing campaigns.Then, for more significant attention… Collaborate! Collaborations with Japanese artists or influencers can provide the significant boost in visibility needed to go from gold to platinum. Also, it’s important to understand which platforms work best for a specific type of music to focus all the efforts.

Archyde News Editor: Kenji Tanaka, thank you so much for yoru valuable insights. This has been an enlightening discussion.

Kenji Tanaka: my pleasure. Thank you for having me.