JMT Web News

Japan Music Trades has listed 3 music products statistics compiled by The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (sales and export), Shizuoka Pref. Musical Instruments Manufacturers’ Association (sales and export), and Customs Bureau, The Ministry of Finance　(import and export) in every April issue so far. Here is a summary of the 2021 statistics.

Strong growth of export and import

According to the statistics compiled by Shizuoka Pref. Musical Instruments Manufacturers’ Association, total piano sales and export which represent the largest product segment of the total sales increased 22% to 43,654 units and 24% in value to 27.67 billion yen in 2021. The considerable increase may reflect backorders accumulated during the stay-at-home period in 2020 were shipped, as well as trade-up demands created by concert venues and public halls as music activities resumed, and sales increase at music teaching studios in town.

The statistics of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan show sales and export of electronic pianos and organs, wind instruments guitars and electric guitars increased from 10% to 15% individually.
The COVID-19 continues to affect our life and society, but it looks that the industry is moving ahead toward re-start of business.

Sales of electronic keyboards dramatically increased in 2020 backed by brisk growth in demand during the lockdown. A year later, the boom somewhat diminished, and the category sank into the lowest level in the last 15 years to 69,181 units or minus 20%, but increased 5% in value to 2.8 billion yen.

Total export rose 25% to 75.6 billion yen in 2021. All categories except instrument strings gained growth in value, but bowed string instruments, reed instruments, other woodwind and brass instruments, music boxes, parts and accessories for other musical instruments went down in unit.

Export of acoustic guitars, drums and electric and electronic musical instruments with keyboard increased 23%, 31% and 31% in value, respectively. Electric guitars, parts and accessories for piano also increased 40% and 39%, respectively.

Reflecting recovery of the market from the damage by the COVID-19, import of major product lines increased; upright pianos (35%), grand pianos (23%), bowed string instruments (159%), other woodwind and brass instruments (20%), electric and electronic musical instruments with keyboard (26%), parts and accessories for piano (34%).