[Article] Korean Boy Bands, Anime: Saving Japan’s Music Biz?

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Excerpt:

Avex shares registered a fresh 2010 high on Thursday and shares are up 64% year-to-date versus a 12% decline in the broader Nikkei Stock Average.

The reasons are even more intriguing: a boost in CD and DVD sales linked to mega-hit animated series “One Piece” and the hugely popular South Korean boy band Tong Vfang Xien Qi, known better in Japan as Tohoshinki.

Earlier this year, the five-member South Korean pop group, which made a debut here in 2005, devastated fans with an announcement that it would cease group activities in Japan and focus on solo work. Fortunately for Avex, that sparked sales of a Tohoshinki greatest hits album and solo singles.

“I have to admit this bad luck has also brought us good luck,” said Avex spokesperson Taishi Arashida. “These guys are clearly beyond the conventional South Korean boom.”

Read it: Korean Boy Bands, Anime: Saving Japan’s Music Biz?