http://www.macnn.com/articles/05/07/27/itunes.japan.launch/
Tokyo event may bring iTunes Japan launch
updated 08:15 am EDT, Wed July 27, 2005
iTunes Japan launch
Apple Japan has invited journalists to a . The event, which is scheduled for August 4 at 10am at the Tokyo International Forum, may bring the official debut of the iTunes Music Store, according to the report. Macworld UK say that Japan is the world's third-biggest music sales market and that Apple has been negotiating with labels since 2003 to offer the local equivalent of a 99c per track tariff, while the labels have been pushing a price equivalent of $1.50. "Japanese CDs cost in the region of £20 each. With CD prices set so high it's no wonder that Japanese CD rental services are highly popular, leading cash-strapped local music lovers to illegally rip music from rented albums."
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2000
J-pop
And let's hope that, just like with some Chinese artists, at least some important Japanese artist will also be available in other iTune Music stores all over the world... I'll keep my chopsticks crossed.