Market Research: Top Sellers in Japan

[kjk1281]

I like how the article title states that anything over ¥5000 (~$51) is "slightly expensive."

Anyway, here are the lists, based on information compiled by BCN Ranking for the month of March 2009:

Canalphones/IEMs ¥5000 and above

• Bose Triport IE
• Sony MDR-EX500
• Sony MDR-NC22
• Shure SE102
• Audio-Technica ATH-ANC3
• Audio-Technica ATH-CKM70
• Victor (JVC) HP-FXC70
• Pioneer SE-CLX50
• Denon AH-C551
• Denon AH-C700

Headphones ¥10000 and above

• Audio-Technica ATH-A900
• Audio-Technica ATH-ES7
• Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50
• Sony MDR-CD900ST
• Bose Triport OE
• Bose Triport (AE)
• Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700
• Denon AH-D1000
• Audio-Technica ATH-ESW9

Source: カナル型なら5000円以上、「チョイ高」イヤホン＆へッドホンの売れ筋 (Japanese)

 

[hydrocyanic]

go bose, lol

exchange rate:
1USD ~90-100yen

 

[shigzeo]

expensive is in the eyes, ears and wallets of the beholder. one mans castle is another mans cottage. just like, i would imagine most of you would buy a 100-400$ bicycle and be happy while people like me who live with a bike daily would not even imagine pay such paltry sums for something we use and rely on.

so, if 50$ is expensive to that person, that is expensive and there is no reason to question it.

 

[kjk1281]

That's true Shigzeo. I'm not questioning anybody since I still think anything over $150 is expensive for portable use, and I know I'm in the minority here.

I apologize if the statement comes across as elitist, as that was certainly not my intention. It was more of a stab at the whole "choi ___" (i.e. "choi waru" = "slightly bad") statements that seem to be popular in Japan.

Anyway, I can't seem to find any information on how this company gathers its research. Well, at least the list will create some discussion.

 

[K_19]

Surprised that Denon wouldn't have more presence there, since it's indeed a Japanese Company. Also surprised that there is a seemingly a big market for the Active NC Market (ANC7, etc. which I did hear is decent for an Active NC Can). Even most of the other fullsize cans on that list are closed headphones. Hmm.

This makes me wonder if I will eventually yearn for the A/D900 sooner or later

(Got the AD700 on the way)

 

[hydrocyanic]

i don't think anyone would argue the diminishing return of the sound quality starts to decline > 100~200 price range and further more when price increase

 

[shigzeo]

yeah, funny, i am surprised not to see more japanese brands in the top of both charts. or even apple!

i did not see many bose in sapporo for sure and even saw futuresonics sold at the expensive big box like biccamera.

 

[kjk1281]

I also found the inclusion of many noise canceling headphones to be quite curious.

For those who are interested, here is a page that shows sales for the week and previous month. You can also narrow the rankings down by price range, head-/earphone type, or brand.

 

[shigzeo]

probably many more train users in japan's big cities where headphone use would be prevalent causes people to use noise cancellers. i would think that would be a bit reason. but other than that, i just wonder if this thread was made to sort of show off that you can read japanese

 

[kjk1281]

No, I would never start a thread just to boast! It would be terrible if I start getting PMs with links to reviews people want me to translate. My Japanese isn't that good.

Back on topic, I think this kind of information could be useful in terms of getting a feeling for the "normal" headphone market. It would be nice if there was something like this for other countries as well.

 

[Zalithian]

I wish top sellers meant best quality.

 

[shigzeo]

top sellers obviously mean some semblence of quality. fairly rarely do people go out of their way to buy junk - that is rare indeed. there is always some degree of upgrade, always.

 

[toughnut]

I gonna buy BOSE triport for an upgrade...