Sales in the eBook Market Reach 1.8 Billion Yen,
up 80% from Last Year

- Institute of Internet Lifestyle releases the "Survey Report on eBook Business 2004" -

TOKYO, Japan -- Sep. 30, 2004 -- Impress Corporation (TSE: 9479) releases a compilation of current market trends and user trends relating to eBooks, entitled "Survey Reports on eBook Business 2004."

The survey results (as of Mar. 2004) given in the "Survey Report on eBook Business 2004" reveal that sales in the eBook market in Japan are expected to have totaled 1.8 billion yen, an increase of 80% from last year. At this growth rate, the promising market will grow to 110.2 billion yen in 2010.

Approximately 40,000 eBook titles are available (*1), and an average of 1,200 new titles are released monthly, an increase of 20% from the rate at the same time last year. According to survey results compiled from the major eBook sites (eBook stores), the number of eBook downloads has been rising rapidly, with an increase of 80% from last year. For example, the number of eBooks downloaded from the most popular site, "10DaysBook," is approximately 50,000 per month.

While the publishing business has been experiencing a period of severe stagnancy, the eBook market has been growing constantly, although its market scale remains small. It is predicted that the number of users will continue to increase as broadband services spread and hardware such as mobile phones and viewers is improved. In addition, cost-effective distribution and printing, as well as the lack of risk of excess inventory or returned books for content providers and publishers, is likely to push the eBook market forward.

In addition to the market trends described above, the "Survey Report on eBook Business 2004" comprehensively introduces the entire eBook business, in relation to trends in the overall publishing business. Our detailed, unique survey provides an invaluable source of information on user trends, the efforts of sales websites (eBook stores) and publishers, the characteristics of eBook viewers, and the format of eBooks (file format).

Outline of the Impress "Survey Report on eBook Business 2004"

- Specifications: Paper size A4, 200 pages
- Price: 39,000 yen (tax included)
- Publisher: Impress Corporation

* This report is published in Japanese only