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Google has announced it will launch its Editions platform for e-books in Japan in 2011 despite a "chilly" reception from major Japanese publishers, according to a report from Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Google Japan strategic partner development manager Yoichi Sato told journalists that the Japanese version of Google Editions may have to start with a limited number of titles because major publishers remain uneasy about handing over book data for in-copyright titles.
"Hopefully, the industry's recent development to prepare for the full-fledged spread of e-books in Japan will help improve understanding for our project," Sato said. He added major publishing houses would "hopefully" see benefit in the venture later this year or in 2011.
The platform had been due for launch in the UK, US and Europe by the summer this year. However, recent reports have suggested the launch has been pushed back to the autumn. Twitter reports last week even suggested it had been dropped altogether by Google.