
RIAJ Awards New Streaming Certifications to K-pop Acts
The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) has awarded new certifications to several high-profile K-pop artists, including BTS, IZ*ONE, TWICE’s MISAMO, and aespa’s Karina. These certifications recognize outstanding streaming performance in the Japanese market, highlighting the continued global expansion of K-pop.
Revamped RIAJ Online Streaming Certification System
In 2020, the RIAJ introduced a dedicated certification system for online streaming, complementing its existing frameworks for physical and digital sales. Under the revamped system, Gold status is awarded for 50 million streams and Platinum for 100 million streams, providing clear benchmarks for artists and industry stakeholders.
K-pop Artists Achieving Gold and Platinum Status
- BTS: Earned Platinum certification for surpassing 100 million streams in Japan.
- IZ*ONE: Secured Gold certification after exceeding 50 million streams on Japanese platforms.
- MISAMO (TWICE sub-unit): Achieved Gold certification with over 50 million streams on release.
- Karina (aespa): Attained Platinum certification, reflecting strong fan engagement and streaming figures.
Impact on the Japanese Music Market
These new certifications underscore the growing popularity of K-pop within Japan’s dynamic music scene. As streaming continues to dominate music consumption, RIAJ’s recognition of international artists reinforces Japan’s role as a key market in the global music industry.

Leave a Reply