are the commonest type of Japanese promo CDs. They look the same as the regular release.

The only differences between a 'sample' CD and a regular CD, is a sticker - nearly always a red sticker - on the back of the jewel case and the words 'sample' or 'promotional use only' or 'not for sale' engraved or printed round the centre hole of the disc in Japanese or English.

Sample CDs are taken from the first run of the CD pressing to ensure the quality is the best possible.

However, there exist a handful of 'promo CDs' and 'promo CDRs', which are not the same as the regulare release.

'SAMPLE' IN ENGLISH PRINTED ROUND THE CENTRE HOLE

'SAMPLE' IN ENGLISH & JAPANESE PRINTED ROUND THE CENTER HOLE

                                                                  Examples of 'sample stickers' from back of the jewel case.