CASE STUDY
Offering Japan's largest fitness music and yoga music online specialty stores
We operate two online stores, Japan’s largest fitness music site, fitness-music.jp and Japan’s largest yoga music site, yogamusic.jp, for fitness and yoga instructors in Japan. These stores offer a wide variety of carefully curated selections of music from specialist labels from around the world, including Italy, Belgium, Germany, the US, etc.
Customized music support for fitness clubs and other fitness facilities
In response to requests from fitness clubs and fitness-related companies, we also offer customized music services creating music products for their original programs and offering volume discount services for bulk purchases.
Music licensing for fitness apps
We license music for circuit training gyms, BGM apps and voice-guided consumer fitness apps.
Exhibitions at workshops and trade shows
We also actively participate in various industry workshops and trade shows related to fitness, yoga, and wellness. We also provide music support, such as providing music for presenters who are in charge of the courses and sessions.
Exhibiting at Japan's largest tradeshow “SPORTEC”
SPORTEC, held in Tokyo, is Asia’s largest tradeshow in the fitness and health industry with over 50,000 visitors and over 900 exhibitors . Attendees gather from all over the world to attend business seminars and events, and experience the massive exhibition of fitness equipment and programs, health supplies, and sports tourism, etc. Every year Bravo has one of the largest and most energetic booths, showcasing and promoting Yes! Fitness Music.
Q&A with Michael Pipitone
How did you first become interested in the Japan market?
Back in the 90’s as I was just starting my fitness music career, I watched as western fitness trends were being introduced to Japanese fitness clubs. As Hi Impact Aerobics took off, the need for fast and energetic dance cover songs continued to grow. Luckily, at around the same time, a high-energy dance music genre known as Eurobeat became very popular in Japan. With relationships in place with European producers it became clear that there was a market opportunity that had to be explored. It was time to connect the music with the fitness music market. This music was a perfect match for fitness and was already being embraced by the Japanese masses. I was fortunate enough to help support the music needs of what was becoming one of the largest fitness markets in the world.
What is difficult to do business in Japan, that people might not know is difficult?
Other than the 13 hour time difference that can make conference calls tricky, a lack in understanding of the history, pride, culture and basic business etiquette can be barriers to success in the market. Many western companies and businessmen assume they will be successful in Japan just because they were successful in other markets. But the Japanese have different expectations and if a business is not flexible or respectful of the differences, they will not be successful.
What made you decide to do business with Bravo?
There is really no company better equipped to handle the fitness market than Bravo. Their 20 years as a fitness industry leader, innovator and market visionary have proven to us many times over that we selected the right partner. They understand the market, translate it for us and help us be successful.
How has it been to do business with Bravo?
An absolute delight. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and eager to provide feedback to make our Yes! Music products better.