Joint statement from IFPI and RIAJ on the EU-Japan FTA

16 December 2018 - Press release

On December 7th and 12th, the Diet of Japan and the European Parliament both held their respective votes in favour of ratification of the EU-Japan trade agreement. As representatives of the recording industry in Japan and worldwide, we welcome the support given by the EU and Japanese parliaments to the EU-Japan FTA ratification. The EU-Japan trade agreement extends the term of protection for sound recordings in Japan to match the duration of protection in the EU, treating artists and producers fairly in both regions. It also provides a platform for continued bilateral discussion on matters of mutual interest, including the question of introducing public performance rights for producers in Japan. As such, the agreement represents a legal framework linking the Japanese and European music markets.

We urge the EU and Japan to ensure that this important agreement enters into force as soon as possible.