I dont even think we will get a digital download version of Kingdom Hearts in Japan. So far it is listed as UMD-only.

I live in Tokyo and have had a PS3 since the Japanese launch. The rental situation for Blu-ray here is not good at all to say the least. At my local shop they actually have Blu-ray but it is a very limited selection. The only positive thing is people are not really renting them so I usually can get the movie I want(of what is there)
There was one copy of Underworld(the latest one) available on Blu-ray and there were like 20 cases of the DVD but they were all be rented out.

Another problem is the price to buy. I bought Quantam of Solace for $19 in America but it is around $40 here. The American versions almost always do not have Japanese subtitles despite the fact they have Chinese, Korean Thai etc. This is clearly on purpose to discourage importing.
I would prefer having the Japanese subtitles for the times I want to watch with my Japanese friends.

me too!

I have the feeling it will not be very English friendly. I am picking up the 25th and will try to remember to come back to this post.

this is the kind of game that should have downloadable content. but, I am not sure level-5 will invest in it.

yes, totally agree with you.
the gameplay kind of reminds me of Battle Arena Toshinden.

Yeah, I agree.

its not hard to find. I live here. all of those stories are highly exaggerated to create demand perhaps.

Tales came out last week and it is a popular title so it helped push more 360s. Infinite Undiscovery, Last Remnant and Star Ocean 4 should do the same.

People say that it will take a while to get the Panasonic prod line Pioneer Kuro up to the levels of the Pioneer production line Kuro. but CNET was saying as I said in my last statement that the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U is pretty close to the Pioneer Kuro Plasma. I would love to hear more opinions too!

this is the CNET article:
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-viera-th-50pz800u/4505-6482_7-32886472.html

I think I will buy one too. I hear the 2008 models are close to Kuro blackness levels and and in some ways superior to Kuro.

I am thinking of getting a Panasonic 42 or 46 inch plasma but have heard that Sonys Bravia comes close in black levels and image quality in general. But, I guess I should still go for the Panasonic.