The dance-vocal unit ATARASHII GAKKO! met with Education Minister Matsumoto at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on Monday morning [1].

The meeting highlights a push to modernize Japanese copyright laws to ensure performers and singers receive payment for background music (BGM) usage. As Japanese artists increasingly find success in global markets, the government is seeking input from active creators to refine legislative proposals that could change how royalties are distributed.

During the exchange, the group and the minister discussed the international expansion of music and specific amendments to the Copyright Act [1]. The proposed changes aim to provide financial compensation to the artists, and performers whose work is used as BGM, regardless of whether they composed the piece themselves.

MIZYU, a member of ATARASHII GAKKO!, spoke about the emotional connection performers have with their songs. She said that even if they did not compose the music, there is a feeling of being a parent to the song through the act of expression, and she is pleased that the government is considering this perspective [2].

The conversation also touched upon the importance of creative momentum. MIZYU said she wants artists to transmit the things they believe in and feel excited about while that passion is still fresh [2].

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology organized the meeting to deepen discussions toward the establishment of the Copyright Act amendment [1]. By listening to industry practitioners, the ministry intends to align legal frameworks with the realities of the modern music business, particularly as digital distribution and global streaming change the nature of music consumption.

“The group and the minister discussed the international expansion of music and specific amendments to the Copyright Act.”

This meeting signals a potential shift in Japanese intellectual property law, moving toward a model that recognizes the 'performative' value of a recording rather than just the 'compositional' value. If the BGM payment amendment passes, it could create a new revenue stream for performers and singers, acknowledging their role in the commercial success of a track even when they are not the primary songwriters.