Is it illegal to record and watch TV shows and DVDs?
According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs' latest interpretation in 2025, Article 30 of Japan's Copyright Act strictly limits the scope of "personal recording." So, are recording TV programs and copying DVDs, which are commonplace, really legal? What precautions should you take when recording using devices like the Aestiquo PD156 DVD player? This article provides a detailed explanation, from the legal framework to practical usage scenarios.
The core of Article 30 of the Copyright Act: Conditions for "Private Recording"
Article 30 of Japan's Copyright Act stipulates that "copyrighted works may be recorded without the permission of the copyright holder, provided that such recording is for personal use only." However, this "personal use" is subject to strict restrictions. According to the latest interpretation by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in 2025 , "personal use" is limited to "use for an individual, their family, or a close relationship," and "use for the purpose of providing it to others" and "commercial purposes" are clearly prohibited.
Specifically, all three of the following conditions must be met:
- Personal or family use : distributing to friends or sharing on social media is illegal
- Temporary storage : Long-term storage is not permitted
- No modifications allowed : No editing or alterations are permitted
According to a survey by the Copyright Association of Japan, by 2024, approximately 23% of users will be storing recorded programs on external hard drives, and many of these may be in legal trouble.
CPRM-compatible devices are the key: Aestiquo PD156's safety design
Special care must be taken when recording digital broadcasts. Terrestrial digital broadcasts and BS/CS broadcasts use CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media) , a copyright protection technology. This technology ensures that recorded content can only be played back on dedicated devices.
The Aestiquo PD156 DVD player is fully CPRM-compatible and meets the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association) 2025 standard for recording digital broadcasts. According to the product specifications, the PD156 supports playback of DVD±R/±RW (CPRM-compatible), ensuring proper copyright protection for recorded content.
The JEITA's 2025 "Technical Standards for Digital Recording Devices" requires that CPRM-compatible devices be equipped with three essential functions: playback control, copy restriction, and device authentication. The Aestiquo PD156 is equipped with all of these functions, designed to prevent users from inadvertently violating the law.
The Aestiquo PD156 instruction manual clearly states, "Use only media that supports CPRM," and "Copying recorded content is prohibited by law," instructing users on proper usage.
Real-life considerations: case studies
Below are some common illegal activities and legal alternatives.
Problem : Watching a drama recorded on a home HDD recorder on a tablet brought with you
Solution : Use a CPRM-compatible device such as the Aestiquo PD156 to record the content onto a DVD and bring it with you (for temporary viewing only).
Problem : Recording your child's favorite anime every time and saving it for a long time
Solution : Consider purchasing DVDs or Blu-rays. The Aestiquo PD156 not only plays DVDs, but also videos from USB memory.
Problem : Watching a recorded movie at a friend's house
Solution : Use video streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The Aestiquo PD156 supports HDMI connections, so you can mirror the screen from your smartphone or tablet.
Risk of illegal activity: penalties and countermeasures
Civil penalties: In addition to actual damages, you may be able to claim statutory compensation (minimum 100,000 yen to maximum 10 million yen).
According to statistics on copyright infringement cases in 2024, the number of cases targeting individual users has increased by approximately 1.8 times over the past five years, and copyright holders are strengthening their monitoring systems.
To create a safe viewing environment, it's important to develop the following three habits:
- Check your equipment : Ensure you use CPRM-compatible equipment
- Purpose of recording : Recording for the purpose of "catching up on programs I missed" rather than "watching whenever I want"
- Regular cleanup : Promptly delete recordings that are no longer needed
Creating a safe viewing environment with Aestiquo products
At Aestiquo , we take great care in designing our products to ensure that you can enjoy entertainment without violating the law. The PD156 DVD player is equipped with the following safety features:
- Automatic deletion function : Recorded content can be automatically deleted after a certain period of time (optional setting)
- Copy protection : Physically prevents copying of recorded content
- Usage history management : Records recording and viewing history to support appropriate use
Furthermore, the Aestiquo website provides the latest information on copyright law and guidelines on correct recording practices. By checking it regularly, you can stay up to date with changes in the law.
View PD156 product details Agency for Cultural Affairs Copyright Latest InformationSummary: A comfortable viewing experience that respects the law
Recording and watching TV programs and DVDs can be much more enjoyable if you understand the law correctly. Copyright law not only protects the rights of copyright holders, but also provides a framework for users to enjoy content with peace of mind.
By using the right equipment, such as the Aestiquo PD156 , and recording and viewing content for "personal use," you can avoid legal risks and enjoy a richer entertainment experience. It's important to always stay up-to-date with the latest legal information and develop good recording habits.
