I spent a big chunk of time with Microsoft Japan at the Tokyo Game Show. We discussed a wide range of topics, from sales, to the Xbox's place in Japan, to games like Titanfall and Forza, and much more. The full interview will go live some time early next week (there's a lot to trascribe).
One bit of Microsoft's angle in particular might stand out. With only about 1.7 million console sales in Japan to date (according to Media Create), I asked about how Microsoft might increase sales during the next console generation. I was met with an unexpected reply, in which Naoyuki Isogai, Director of Xbox Marketing, said,
"Well, first, I am not allowed to say the exact number. But, I wouldn't say that Xbox 360 sales were low. To some people it was low, but to us, each user means so much [as an underdog company]. An individual user is very important to us, so even though the numbers might not be as high as some other systems, we will continue to show support to Japan. We will try to increase the number of course. Every company will. But our individual fans are important enough that we'll continue here."
For reference, the Xbox 360 has sold 1.7 million units in Japan since its launch in late 2005. Its same-generation console competitors, the Wii and PS3 have domestically sold 12.7 million and 9.5 million units, respectively. Numbers come via the most trusted source of sales figures in Japan, Media Create.
It's a big interview, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Watch for it next week on GameRevolution.
