Classic Japanese audio brand Onkyo files for bankruptcy

Maker of stereos and speakers doomed by market shift to streaming and smartphones

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Onkyo speakers were popular back when many consumers listened to music on stereo systems. (Photo by Kento Hirashima)

KENTO HIRASHIMA, Nikkei staff writer

OSAKA -- Japanese audio equipment maker Onkyo Home Entertainment filed for bankruptcy at Osaka District Court on Friday, with total liabilities of around 3.1 billion yen ($24 million).

The Osaka-based company was delisted in August. It was unable to keep pace with changes in how people listen to music, as users shift from audio equipment like compact stereo systems -- once Onkyo's core business -- to devices like smartphones for streaming services.

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