Apple's Entry Heats Up E-Book Competition In Japan

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Apple Inc. said Wednesday that it will launch its e-book shop in Japan, becoming the last major player to make a foray into the market for Japanese-language digital books and paving the way for their proliferation.

Content from Apple's iBookstore shop can be read only on the U.S. firm's iPhone handset or iPad tablet, but the purchasing process is extremely simple. Customers can buy e-books with a single click on Apple's free e-book app.

Amazon.com Inc. boasts flexible compatibility, offering apps not only for its Kindle device but Apple's iPad and other gadgets as well, while also offering competitive prices.

Sony Corp. (6758), Rakuten Inc. (4755), Kinokuniya Co. and Toppan Printing Co. (7911) group unit BookLive Co. all offer member rewards programs in a bid to retain repeat customers by giving discounts.

(The Nikkei, March 7 morning edition)

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