WHY DO IMPORT ANIME CDS COST SO MUCH?
Because that is what they cost in Japan. This is true of anime videos, too. Most CDs in Japan cost about 3000 Yen. The currency exchange ranges roughly 1 US dollar for 100-150 Yen. That means imported anime CDs should cost about $30 US at $1:Y100 and $20 US at $1:Y150. If you find an anime CD for under $20 US, then it is either a domestic (outside of Japan) release, a used CD, or a bootleg. The reason the Japanese price is so high is usually attributed to their higher cost of living. • WHAT IS THE 2 YEAR LIMIT? The so-called 2 year limit refers to the regulation period that the first release price lasts (for “price protection”). After that period expires, retailers can reduce the price. Some people are under the impression this period refers to when the CDs are forced out of print. They are totally wrong. Anime CDs have a limited market viability, so by coincidence, some anime CDs go out of print in 2 years. But some remain in print longer than that. • WHY ARE 2 PRICES SHOWN ON THE BAC
