For those keeping tabs on the latest sales trends in Japan, you’d know that the Xbox 360 is falling short of the competition. Way short, hardware-sales wise. But don’t worry! That will change in due time. Just ask Microsoft’s recently promoted vice president of Strategy and Business Development Shane Kim, who believes that the company can turn the tables in Japan, but admits that achieving success in the region is a “longer-term effort.”

From a business perspective I think they all know that they need to take the platform seriously, and my hope is that through that process we’ll start to see more Japanese content that will stimulate greater demand in Japan and start to turn our fortunes around.

I think that’s a longer-term effort, to be frank.

It’s clear that Microsoft is aiming to overturn its dismal performance in the Japanese market with a number of Square Enix developed RPGs currently in the pipeline. But will it be enough to ignite interest in the 360? We’ll see, I suppose.

Shane Kim: Japan is a “longer-term effort” [GI.biz]

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