Apple, Spotify and Tidal have another obstacle to overcome if they’re to break into the Japanese streaming market.

Japanese messaging app Line has just launched its own streaming service in the country, edging in ahead of both Spotify and Apple Music in the territory.

Line Music boasts a catalogue of 1.5 million tracks from labels including Sony, Universal, and Japan’s Avex Group. It’s free for the first two months, but after that has two subscription tiers – ¥1,000 (about $8) for unlimited access, or ¥500 ($4) for 20 hours of streaming.

Though streaming services are all the rage in the west, Japan has been reluctant to pick up on the trend. Despite everywhere else abandoning the CD in droves, the market for shiny plastic discs has remained healthy in the country until recently, where Japan-only versions of albums and EPs are still commonplace.

Navigating the country’s rights laws has also proved difficult for companies like Spotify, Pandora and Rdio, who have yet to launch in the country. Until Line Music, one of the only streaming options in the country was Sony Music Unlimited, which recently closed. Another streaming service Awa, opened last month.

Earlier this week Apple launched its own streaming service, Apple Music, with a 24-hour radio station. (via The Verge)