The Japanese publishing industry is reportedly taking combined efforts to comprehend the opportunities and challenges put forth by the advent of e-books. The issues being examined include whether traditional paper books will totally disappear, and whether e-books will significantly change reading patterns.
In March, 31 publishers including Kodansha and Shinchosha joined to form the Electronic Book Publishers Association of Japan (EBPAJ). Around the same time, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry brought together writers, publishers and telecom executives to discuss the promotion of vaster utilisation of publications. The group examined the use of a ‘Japanese-style’ publishing business model. By June-end, it expects to release a report on issues such as the creation of e-book data standards.
There are multiple factors that have triggered the public and private sector debate on e-books. One is the digitisation project of Internet search firm Google. The other is the significant popularity of Kindle, an e-reader launched by US-based online retailer Amazon.com. Apple's newly launched tablet computer iPad has also contributed to the discussion.
Japanese media research firm Impress R&D has reported that the e-book market has been expanding annually. Mobile phones are said to be a major growth driver for this market, as comics read via cell phones reportedly account for nearly 80 percent of the market.
Critics have pointed out that by boosting the digitisation of books, the publishing industry may hurt the sales of traditional books, just as the online availability of music decreased CD sales. EBPAJ representatives argue that the association is only seeking a way to generate revenues from a medium that is currently in vogue. They contend that it takes industry-wide efforts to address key issues - such as striking a balance between print and digital publications, and the issue of copyrights.
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