2.1 Background

The creation of the Fanpla project is significantly influenced by the structural changes and emerging trends in the music industry, as described below.

Fixed-Price Sales Model

The standard business model for artist activities, including CDs, live tickets, merchandise sales, and fan clubs, is "fixed-price sales." For example, fan club membership fees are generally uniform regardless of the level of fan enthusiasm. Similarly, live ticket prices are generally uniform, even though fan enthusiasm for each performance and seat varies.

Rise of Music Streaming

The music market is shifting from a "purchase model" to an "all-you-can-listen subscription" due to the popularity of paid subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music. These services have spread globally and are becoming the standard for music consumption. Additionally, the emergence of music-generating AI, where AI automatically generates songs, is significantly impacting the music industry.

Globalization of the Music Market through Streaming Services and Social Media

Streaming services have made it easy for music to cross borders. Artists can easily reach listeners overseas and approach a broader audience. The spread of social media is also strongly promoting the globalization of the Japanese music market. Artists can share their activities in real-time via X, Instagram, and TikTok, and fans can provide direct feedback. Social media is shortening the distance between artists and fans, serving as an important tool for connecting with fans worldwide.

Co-creation of Artists and Fans

Enthusiastic fans, both domestically and internationally, are connecting on social media and forming communities called "Fandoms." A fandom is a place where fans with strong empathy and attachment to a particular artist or work gather to share information and opinions, and engage in support activities. In recent years, the existence of fandoms has become very important for further enhancing the enthusiasm of fans. Interactions within fandoms amplify fan enthusiasm and strengthen support for artists and their work. Fans voluntarily promote and advertise on social media, naturally spreading artist awareness, and the power of fandoms is a major driving force supporting artist activities. Fandoms are deepening the relationship between artists and fans, becoming an important connection for further enhancing support activities.