Photo Credit: Iain Catling, CEO, AudioSalad & Toru Itabashi, President & Representative Director, RecoChoku
AudioSalad partners with Japanese music tech firm RecoChoku in a greater push into the Asian music market.
Digital music distributor AudioSalad has announced a strategic partnership with Japanese technology firm RecoChoku in a further push into the Asian music market. The deal gives AudioSalad access to RecoChoku’s local partners and distribution network in Japan.
“Japan’s unique music market presents both exciting opportunities and distinct challenges,” said AudioSalad CEO Iain Catling. “Our partnership with RecoChoku allows us to address these market dynamics with tailored solutions that honor Japan’s rich musical traditions while embracing digital innovation.”
Since establishing its partnership with rights management and distribution services provider NexTone in late 2023, AudioSalad says it has built a position in Japan’s analytics, distribution, and supply chain services sector. Now, the deal with RecoChoku aims to further that strategy through additional local partnerships.
Founded in 2001, the Tokyo-based RecoChoku offers a digital music distribution service for individuals and companies. Its platform provides over 26 million tracks for download and streaming across a variety of platforms, including smartphones, PCs, and even the Nintendo Switch.
“This partnership with AudioSalad enables us to realize both comprehensive global-standard distribution asset management and a hybrid form of music distribution with delivery-agency operations,” said Kaz Aida, General Manager, RecoChoku. “By adding our meticulous distribution operation support services, we are able to offer each service in an all-in-one manner that meets the needs of rights holders.”
“Our service is designed to solve such challenges and concerns faced by domestic rights holders, and we are very pleased to be able to collaborate with AudioSalad, who shares our vision. We will continue to develop services that cater to the needs of rights holders to achieve our mission of ‘Maximize Music Market.’”
This partnership comes as Japan’s digital music sector continues to evolve into a mixture of traditional and streaming consumption models. Data from IFPI shows that Japan was the second-largest music market in 2024, after the U.S.
AudioSalad was founded in 2010 and was acquired by SESAC Music Group in 2023. Its clients include independent labels such as Secretly Group, Mushroom Group, Mad Decent, Redeye Distribution, and Stones Throw.
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