One confusing issue in the J-Music world is the categorization of releases. Releases dubbed a “Maxi-Single” may well seem exactly like a “Single”. One artist’s “Album” may have less songs on it than anothers “Minialbum”. Add to this the differences between First or Second pressings, Limited or Regular editions, DVD versus CD releases, or Japan versus Overseas versions, and you may wonder how anyone can choose what to buy!

This guide is written mostly from personal experience and observations, so it can’t be taken as How It Is, Always And Forever. I do hope it will help clarify for the most part what things are called what, and why. Just remember, there are always exceptions to every rule!

Some of this is basic information is from wiki.thePPN, with modifications here and there based, again, on my own experience and observations (and really, wiki, I have never seen or heard of an “album” with only 2 songs. Wait, I have… they’re called singles! ~_^)

Album vs. Mini-Album:
Full-length albums are typically 10-20 songs, depending on the track time, but can range from 5 songs to 30 or more. But the length of an album is actually more accurate than the number of songs: on an 80 minute CD, you can normally expect about an hour of listening time.

A mini-album is just like an album except smaller in size. Whereas a typical album will average around 15 tracks, a typical mini-album has 6-8 tracks. Like an album, however, Mini-albums are more often than not entirely unique songs; that is, no remixes or instrumentals.

A good example of an artist who utilizes both formats is Olivia Lufkin (OLIVIA). Some may recognize her as one of the artists connected to the Nana anime series. She has released 4 albums, each with 10-14 tracks, and 5 mini-albums, each with 5-8 tracks.

OLIVIA’s Synchronicity album versus The Cloudy Dreamer mini-album:

Single vs. Maxi-Single:
A single is much shorter than an album, typically 2-4 songs in length, which consist of the title track (the “a-side”) and often a “b-side” (or “filler”). Optional are a remix or instrumental of the a-side, and sometimes one of the b-side as well.

A maxi-single is a single with 4 to 8 songs on it. The extra 3 to 5 songs are typically various remixes or otherwise alternate versions of the main songs (usually the first two or three), instrumentals, or previously released songs.

A good example of an artist who utilizes both formats of singles is that of Koda Kumi. Her FREAKY maxi-single consisted of 2 versions of 8 tracks each; the first with 4 a-sides and a remix of each, the second with the f a-sides and instrumentals of each. Contrast this to 恋のつぼみ (Koi no Tsubomi), a single which consisted of the a-side, a remix, and an instrumental.

Koda Kumi’s FREAKY maxi-singles versus the 恋のつぼみ single (which has both CD and DVD versions):

Something to Remember: If you are confused as to whether the release is a single or a maxi-single, and album or a mini-album, the best way to answer the question is to check the artist’s official sites and discography pages, where it is normally labeled. The labels can sometimes (okay, often) seem arbitrary, especially whether it is called a single or a maxi-single. In the long run, the designations don’t really matter, but are good to know for accuracy’s sake!

DVD, First Press/Limited Editions, or “Type X” distinctions
One constant (and sometimes annoying) technique of many record companies to boost interest and sales is to release two or more versions of the same release, with each version containing something different. One of the most common is the DVD versus CD releases. Most artist will put out Promotional Videos or PV’s (think Western-style Music Videos) for some or all singles leading up to an album. Many times, they will include these PV’s in the DVD version of the release. Lives are another oft-included video in the DVD versions.

An example of the CD versus DVD is Hata Motohiro’s recent first album, コントラスト (CONTRAST), of which the DVD version contained both the PV’s for all the released singles, as well as a video diary of many of his previous lives.

Limited or First Press Editions as opposed to Regular Editions are basically what they sound like: limited editions of the single, which normally contain extras to entice the buyer. Extras could be anything from a DVD version included, to posters, stickers or cards, to different versions of the case or CD, or even bonus songs. These versions are fun because they come with these extra’s, but are often more expensive. Another reason to release a first press version, especially if the price is the same, is to entice people to buy quickly and right when it comes out, so as to increase the rating on the charts.

Otsuka Ai’s single 大好きだよ。 (Daisuki Da Yo.) included with the first press CD a limited edition picture book illustrated by Otsuka herself.

“Type X” distinctions are probably my least favorite type because unlike DVD or Limited Editions, each of the “Type”’s typically have the same features. Differences could be the song or remix included, the PV that comes with the single, and often at least different covers. Serious collectors of an artist who releases in this format can expect to buy two, and sometimes even three or more versions of the same single to complete their collection.

One artist who recently has released a large number of this type of single is AAA (Attack All Around). Their recent single 夏もの (Natsumono) had four types total; one CD-only version, and 3 DVD-versions containing each the PV for one of the three different a-sides.

As you can see, these DVD/CD, Limited/First Press, and “Type”’s can be mixed and matched at the will of the record labels, often at the expense of the music buyers.

Japanese vs. Overseas versions (YesAsia): Myths and Truths

The biggest difference between these two formats is price. Overseas (also sometimes Korean or Hong Kong Versions) are always cheaper than the Japan Versions. Also, non-Japanese versions will always include an extra booklet in the language of the version (so, Korean for the Korean Version, and Chinese for the Overseas/Hong Kong versions typically), the obi normally is in that language as well, and the CD and often casing will contain the phrase “not for sale in Japan” or something to that effect. These different versions are released by subsidiaries of the parent company, so they are not bootlegs! They are legitimate copies of the music; however, their sales do not translate into charting, such as on Oricon, so if you are concerned with how well the artist does on the charts, the Japan version is the way to go!

One myth about these different versions include that the sound quality is poorer on the Overseas versions, which is simply not true. Both versions are released by the same record label/company, just in different branches (hence why some artists always have Overseas versions and some never do). Therefore, there is no sound quality difference. If you’re hearing one, you’re mind is playing tricks on you.

Another myth is that artists do not receive cuts of sales of non-Japanese versions. As I stated above, this is also not true. Again, they are released by different branches of the same company, so the artists in fact do receive their due. Sales of non-Japanese versions DO NOT count toward the Oricon charts or ranks in Japan, however.

A myth that can be true is differences in booklet printing paper and the quality of said paper. Since the releases are not made in Japan and resources could be different among the different branches, subtle differences can be detected. The overall design and layouts of the booklets will not change, but minor things may. Sometimes Overseas versions are even nicer than the Japan ones for this reason! But it really all depends on many factors.

Personally, I see no problem ordering the Overseas versions, since the less money I spend on one item, the more I have for others! I am, however, a serious collector of one or two artist, and will often opt for the Japan version for them. Also, most of the time Overseas versions take a little more time to come out, so pre-ordering is often for the Japan version.

A final note on buying Overseas versus Japan Versions when the release comes with a DVD: there is definitely a difference in the Region Code between the versions. You can find what your region code is for your area by following the link, but Japan Versions will be region 2, and Overseas, Korean, and Hong-Kong versions will be region 3 most of the time. What does this have to do with anything? Well, if you live in North America or Europe where default region coding is 1, you’ll have to find a way to play either, so there isn’t much difference. If you have a region-free player or hack, it also doesn’t matter. If you have your region code set specifically to 2 or 3, you’ll probably want to buy the version you will be able to play. Region coding is a complex subject and an annoying thing to deal with, as well as a topic that needs an entire new post to deal with the subject. I just wanted to address it with regard to the different versions.

Many people have different feelings with regard to these different versions. Feel free to discuss your opinions and feelings when it comes to all this! And of course, if you have comments, suggestions, critiques, or questions, comment here or contact me! I’ll reply as soon as possible.

Sources used:
wiki.ThePPN for information on definitions, as well as most images. I love wiki.
Cori-chan’s FAQ for the Oricon ranking information.
Wikipedia for region code information (and probably half of the random facts that are in my head at any given moment because I basically keep my brain on wikipedia.)