Following recent news that Yakuza 3 wouldn't be released in the West and then news to the contrary stating that this was actually under discussion, it's now come to light that such titles may find their way over to Western homes via PSN, rather than traditional boxed release.
Translating and preparing Japanese games for an unfamiliar Western market has always been something of a risky business cost-wise for publishers. As such PSN provides a cheap way of being able to deliver niche Japanese titles to the small minority of consumers that crave them, without incurring a massive loss on all the usual physical costs.
A leaked document from SEGA HQ, which has additionally revealed details of Sony's intention to release the entire PS2 back catalogue on PSN along with some Dreamcast titles, states:
"Could put Japanese games directly on PSN for download in a special Japanese Import section (pricing $9.99 to $39.99 for full game)."
"Might need to localize menus at least with subtitles."
"SCEA interested in helping on MKTG side if they can have period of exclusivity."
Obviously this is merely at the discussion stage at present, but use of the word "exclusivity" does suggest that talks have gone further than mere brainstorming.
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