MySpace Launches in Japan

MySpace has announced a 50-50 partnership with Softbank to launch MySpace KK, MySpace's first joint venture and first entry into the Asian marketplace.

Leading online hangout—or, “lifestyle portal”—MySpace has announced MySpace KK, a 50-50 partership with Japan’s Softbank to launch MySpace Japan, a new online community exclusively for the Japanese market. To celebrate, MySpace Japan will host a free Secret Show on November 15, 2006, with Oasis’ Noel Gallagher and GEM for a semi-acoustic show just for local MySpace users.

“The launch of a Japanese community is a huge step for MySpace’s international expansion,” said Chris DeWolfe, MySpace CEOK. “We’re responding to user demand by creating a community that is localized in terms of language and culture while connecting members to the rest of MySpace’s global network.”

For the most part, MySpace Japan will be run as a separate company, with U.S. MySpace employees playing key roles. The new company will have its headquarters in Tokyo wit localized development, marketing, sales, and technology groups. MySpace Japan’s CEO will be Makoto Kouyama.

“The launch of MySpace Japan with a concert by one of the most popular acts in Japan is just the first of many steps we are taking to serve the local community,” said Kouyama. “Localization has been key to MySpace’s success around the world and Japan will be no exception.”

MySpace has already launched localized sites for the U.K., Ireland, and Australia, with beta sites up for France and Germany. The beta version of MySpace Japan is online today, and is expected to swing into full operation during the first half of 2007.