The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) was founded in 1942 as an organization representing Japanese music recording industry. Since that time, RIAJ has been playing a leading role in the development and expansion of Japanese music culture.

Achieving its mission to encourage the growth and improvement of Japanese music culture, RIAJ is active in operations to promote recordings and create new demand; to enhance protection of copyright and neighboring rights; to ensure proper use of recordings; to conduct surveys, gather documentary information, and publish materials concerning records and therecording industry; and other activities aimed at maintaining the strength and integrity of the industry. At the same time, as a designated society of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, RIAJ is responsible for collection and distribution of secondary use fees of commercial recordings from broadcasters, and remuneration from CD rental shops.

In conducting these operations, RIAJ works closely with related organizations on local and international basis. As the Japanese National Group of the IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industries), RIAJ plays an important role in the international industry. In addition, as a member of the Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture(PROMIC) and the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), RIAJ works continuously to promote and expand musical cultureexchange. We also send delegates to government deliberative committees, such as the Copyright Subcommittee within the Council for Cultural Affairs and are a member of Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), In these and many other ways, RIAJ is working to improve the environment that affects interests of the record industry.

With the many remarkable developments of digital-network technologies in recent years, consumers have increasing opportunities to enjoy and make a copy of quality music. Today and going forward, RIAJ aims to contribute strongly to the development of Japanese musical culture, through the creation and dissemination of fascinating music, adapted to the times.