“Songs For Japan” Hits $10 Million Milestone
Today, the IFPI announced that the Songs For Japan, the 38-song compilation album created to help raise money for victims of Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami disasters, has raised over $10 Million and continues to benefit the survivors through Japanese Red Cross Society.
As per the release, senior executives from four major music companies – EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music Group – met yesterday in Tokyo with Yoshiharu Otsuk, Vice President of the Japanese Red Cross Society, to recognize the milestone of $10 million raised and donated from the global sales of Songs For Japan. The occasion was a reception hosted by IFPI chief executive Frances Moore.
In the release, Tadateru Konoe, President of Japanese Red Cross Society, said, “The kind thoughts of the people who made and bought this album have given great encouragement to the people affected by the earthquake and tsunami. One hundred percent of the money raised goes directly to those most in need. On behalf of the Japanese Red Cross and the people affected by the disaster, I want to sincerely thank the artists and music companies for this generous support. It is much needed and greatly appreciated.”
Songs for Japan is a music industry-wide initiative, with all the participating artists, songwriters, music labels, music publishers and iTunes waiving their royalties and proceeds to maximize the amount of money donated for survivors. Additionally, participating manufacturers, distributors and marketing partners donated materials, services and advertising time or space.
The result is an unprecedented compilation of 38 major hits and classic tracks, including 21 Billboard Hot 100 hits and five Number 1 hits from more than 30 of the biggest names in music. The collection was rush-released worldwide on March 25 – only 14 days after the earthquake struck Japan – as a digital album via iTunes, followed by the release of a physical two-CD set.
Worldwide, music fans have purchased more than 1 Million digital and physical copies of Songs for Japan since it’s release. The album reached #1 on iTunes in 18 countries worldwide the week after release.
To purchase the album and help with the continuing relief efforts, download the album for just $9.99 on iTunes.
