An attribute information acquisition method, including transmitting an attribute request for contents attribute information for altering attributes of contents data stored in a storage medium to an attribute information providing apparatus. The method also includes receiving the contents attribute information transmitted from the attribute information providing apparatus as a result of the transmission of the attribute request. Further, the method includes transmitting to an accounting status notification apparatus a notification request for accounting status notification information that indicates whether an accounting process that corresponds to the contents attribute information has been completed, when a communication enabled state with the attribute information providing apparatus is restored after communication with the attribute information providing apparatus is interrupted during the receiving the contents attribute information. In addition, the method includes receiving the accounting status notification information transmitted from the accounting status notification apparatus as a result of transmitting the notification request.