Ayumi Hamasaki's next single goes digital only

Earlier this month, Avex announced that Ayumi Hamasaki's next single, "Together When...," will be a digital release only. While the full song officially goes on sale on December 5, shortened ringtone versions will be available starting this Wednesday.

While digital exclusives are nothing new in the Japanese music industry, they generally do not receive much promotional effort. "Together When..." is different in that the song is still getting a PV and a jacket cover, and it will also be performed on television music shows.

Avex cited the decline in CD sales and increase in digital sales as the main factor behind the decision, calling the move an experiment that may affect future releases if the single is successful.

Source: tokyograph, asianfanatics.net