1981 in Japanese music

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In 1981 (Shōwa 56), Japanese music was released on records and performed in concerts, and there were charts, awards, contests and festivals.

During that year, Japan continued to have the second largest music market in the world,^[1]^[2] eleven percent of all record sales took place in that country,^[3] and the value of tapes and records made there was $1.15 billion.^[4]

^ Tokita and Hughes. The Ashgate Research Companion to Japanese Music. 2008. p 355.
^ Gronow and Saunio. International History of the Recording Industry. 1998. Reprinted 1999.p 209.
^ Howard Smith (ed). Inside Japan. BBC. 1981. p 65.
^ Billboard. 29 May 1982. pp J-1.

[1] Tokita and Hughes. The Ashgate Research Companion to Japanese Music. 2008. p 355.

[2] Gronow and Saunio. International History of the Recording Industry. 1998. Reprinted 1999.p 209.

[3] Howard Smith (ed). Inside Japan. BBC. 1981. p 65.

[4] Billboard. 29 May 1982. pp J-1.

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