Japan's CD album output fell below 100 million for first time in 2018, industry data shows

The annual output of CD albums in Japan sank below 100 million in 2018 for the first time on record, an industry group said Wednesday, as more people listen to music via online streaming services.

The nation's CD album production, which totaled 88.65 million copies last year, peaked at 276.33 million in 2000, according to data released by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Production has been declining as popular domestic musicians have started delivering their music through streaming services.