Japan's production of music software totaled 431.3 billion yen (3.68 billion U.S. dollars) in fiscal year 2005, up four percent over the previous year. It's the first time the industry generates a increase in production in seven years, local media reported on Wednesday.

In volume, 367.35 million units of music software, such as songs on CDs and DVDs, were produced, up nine percent for the first gain in two years, the Recording Industry Association of Japan said in a report on Tuesday.

Analysts said the positive data shows that more Japanese people are willing to spend on entertainment in a steady economic recovery.

The industry attributes the growth to the easy availability of music via the Internet, contradicting the widespread view that the online distribution of music runs counter to sales of music software.

Of the music software sold in Japan in the fiscal year ending March 31, CDs boosted sales by three percent in value to 313.6 billion yen (2.67 billion U.S. dollars) and by 11 percent in volume to 241.03 million units. Sales of DVDs grew 17 percent to 57.3 billion yen (489 million dollars) and 45 percent to 48.57 million units, the reports said.

Source: Xinhua