Advice for buying music cds in japan?
 

Hello everyone, hope I posted this in the correct section.

My brother will be going to Osaka and other cities in the area in a few weeks' time and I've asked him to help me buy some jrock cds. When I checked the prices of the cds though, they seem to be much more expensive than the price I've gotten them in other countries, like Taiwan or Korea, for example. which is weird.

So I'd like to ask if it's actually advisable to buy jrock cds in japan, since it's just weird when the prices are higher even though theoretically it's in the country of origin? (*Д*) Sorry for the stupid question~

Why would you even compare the prices between Japan and those Third World countries that are known for their illegal pirate CD's? If you want to buy things cheaply, forget shopping in Japan. Then again, don't expect the same high quality in the CD's bought in the countries you mentioned. Your theory is erroneous in assuming that the exact same CD's are being sold in Japan and other countries if the CD is of a Japanese artist.

It never came across my mind Taiwan and Korea are third-world countries, sorry.
And just to clarify, those that I bought were legal, just overseas distribution, that's all. :)

Yep, they are more expensive in JPN. So too are video games for new releases, prices will drop after time but I still don't see how that makes sense.

Yes, CDs in Japan can be more than twice the price as in the US, at least. However, they often include more than you might get in an American release, like more liner notes, mini-posters, etc.

That is because they are not third world countries. Third World - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Developing country - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Anyhow many things are expensive in Japan, sometimes for justifiable reasons, and other times because, I feel that Japanese consumers are willing to fork over the money. If people are willing to pay more for something, then what sane business person would not charge them more?

i know right! guess i'll rethink my list Ｏ｜￣｜＿

thanks for the help and clarification guys! :D :D

Most NA releases are cheaper in Japan then their Japanese versions

Like I found at HMV

Yes, but that means you can get the exact same disc in NA, and it is still more expensive than the NA release in NA.

In Japan it is legal to rent cd's from the video rental shop (like blockbusters) called Tsutaya, and copy them to your pc, they're dirt cheap, rent and rip away at your heart's content until they change that law!

Osaka (and many other cities) have used cd shops where you can find tons of cds at 1/2 price or less. The latest, hottest stuff won't be there, but older things often will. I almost always bought my cds and dvds used, and Osaka was my favorite place to go looking for stuff.

I thought they had a rule about renting things or maybe it just applies to video games. I may be misinformed.

I thought so too at first, but asked a few techy friends of mine to look into it, as it turns out copying music cd's you rent is OK.

I meant more the physical object itself, vs ripping it.

We have the same rule concerning that in Canada ;)

Similar to what MMM said - CD's in japan usually contain rare remixes or extra tracks not included in the same cd released in other parts of the world. This applies to both Japanese and western artists.

If you don't care about any of that stuff don't bother your friend if you are just trying to save a couple bucks.