In Japan everyhing is expensive.(LOL). It is thanks to imported CDs that the price for CD got down at least lower than that of Japanese artist which costs $30. And as far as music industries goes thanks to the keeping the legitimate price we are eventually richer in taste of music. There are a variety of artists which sells which does not. But thanks to the rule that retail price are fixed to a certain price for two years, wide variety of music can be released and music fans which has variety of tastes do not feel alienated just because they are supporting the band not popular.

Since the imported disk became available we have more choice.

To keep richness in music we have to pay some cost and I don't believe we are ripped off at all. Japanese music fans has got variety of choices. The fact all melodic rock top ten albums are available in Japan is thanks to that current system.

American style perfect market society seem attractive but every rose have its thorn. How many melodicrock Top 5 albums acquired American releases(none!)

Music is our culture not just a way to make money.

Regards

Susumu