The start of Apple Computer Inc.'s music-downloading service Aug. 4 heralds big changes in the landscape of Japan's music business and culture. Music lovers can now choose their favorite songs from among 1 million songs offered by iTunes Music Store. With Apple's entry into the Japanese market, an increasing number of people are expected to start downloading music from Internet sites, using their computers. After storing the data in digital portable players, consumers can carry around and listen to selections from a body of music equivalent to several hundred CDs.

The 1 million songs offered by Apple's new service come from 15 Japanese record labels. Customers may download most songs for 150 yen apiece; 10 percent of the tunes cost 200 yen each. In the first four days of iTunes' operation, 1 million songs were downloaded. Apple's entry has already had an impact on Japanese rivals. LabelGate, Japan's largest music-downloading service, has announced a price reduction from 200 yen to 150 yen. Other Japanese services are doing likewise.

Competition in the field of digital portable players will intensify. Apple's iPod players have slightly more than a one-third share of the Japanese market. Other makers are trying to catch up. In July, Apple, Sony and Toshiba started selling new products, all of which are no heavier than mobile phones and small enough to be carried in a shirt pocket.