Qobuz, the French pioneer in high-quality music streaming, has announced its entry into Japan, the world’s second-largest music market. This significant move represents a key milestone in Qobuz’s international development, as the platform aims to broaden its reach and cater to a discerning audience known for its appreciation of sound quality.
With this launch, Japan becomes the 26th country to adopt Qobuz’s services. The expansion is part of the platform’s aggressive international growth strategy, which has seen it enter 15 new markets since launching in the United States in 2019. Qobuz’s strategy aligns with its mission to provide an exceptional audio experience to music lovers worldwide.
Georges Fornay, Deputy CEO of Qobuz, highlighted the importance of this launch, stating, “We are proud to offer the Japanese a valuable musical experience combining exceptional sound quality, editorial richness, and musical discovery. This expansion into the world’s second-largest music market comes at an ideal time and strengthens our position as the undisputed benchmark for high-quality streaming and downloading.”
Japan’s music landscape has been historically dominated by a handful of major players, with a limited offering in the high-quality streaming segment. The country’s audience is known for its high standards when it comes to audio fidelity, making it a promising market for Qobuz. By acquiring e-onkyo music in 2021, Qobuz solidified its commitment to this high-potential market, paving the way for its entry.
Qobuz differentiates itself from other streaming services by focusing on high-resolution audio quality. The platform offers a unique experience through three main pillars: high-resolution streaming, high-resolution downloads, and comprehensive editorial content. With audio quality ranging from 16-bit to 24-bit and sampling rates up to 192 kHz, including formats like DXD and DSD, Qobuz caters to audiophiles seeking an unmatched listening experience.
In addition to superior sound quality, Qobuz serves as a cultural medium for a dedicated community of music enthusiasts. The platform’s magazine features rich editorial content, eclectic musical selections, and carefully curated playlists across all genres. This blend of high-quality audio and engaging editorial material positions Qobuz as an attractive alternative to the dominant streaming giants.
In Japan, users will have access to Qobuz’s extensive offerings, which seamlessly combine streaming and downloading capabilities. As the platform prepares to launch in this vibrant market, it aims to attract listeners who value both exceptional sound quality and the discovery of new music.
With this latest expansion, Qobuz is poised to strengthen its foothold in the global music streaming industry, appealing to an audience eager for high-quality audio and rich musical experiences. As the company continues to grow, it reaffirms its commitment to providing a unique alternative in a marketplace increasingly saturated with standard streaming services.