Music in Japan

On the evening of July 23 2013, the BCCJ hosted “Music in Japan” at the Oakwood Premier Midtown Roppongi. Guest speakers Peter Barakan, Guy Perryman, and Keitaro Summii delivered an entertaining and informative overview of the history and current status of the industry in Japan – now the world’s largest music market, and the only one in which CD sales are increasing.

The session was moderated by BCCJ Events Head, Graham Davis (The Economist).

About the speakers:

Peter Barakan is a Japanese DJ and broadcaster, and the host of “Barakan Morning” on InterFM (76.1). He also hosts the TV series Begin Japanology on NHK World, which introduces various aspects of Japanese culture, and is co-host of CBS Document, the Japanese version of 60 Minutes. A self-described ‘music-nut,’ Peter has also written several books, including a beginner’s guide to soul music, and an album guide covering black music from Africa to the Americas.

Guy Perryman is a British radio DJ that was brought to Japan on a three month contract for the launch of Virgin Megastores in 1990; twenty three years later he’s still here! Over the years Guy has carved out a successful career in broadcasting and entertainment – including creating a cable radio channel broadcast to over 30 Virgin Megastores across Japan in the 1990’s. From 1998, Guy has hosted daily programs on Tokyo radio station Inter FM and has interviewed over 2000 famous faces including Sting, Coldplay, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Paul Smith and Dame Judi Dench. Currently Guy hosts Japan’s only dedicated British music program, Inter FM’s LHR – London Hit Radio (Monday – Thursday from 14:00-16:00, www.interfm.co.jp).More can be seen at www.guyperryman.com