Microsoft has struggled to grab a foothold in the Japanese console market ever since the release of the original Xbox in the territory in February, 2002; but if the predictions of Takashi Sensui, general manager of the Xbox division in Microsoft's Japan unit are to be believed, that is all set to change with the emergence of the company's Games for Windows - Live platform.

Games for Windows - Live, which launches in North America on May 8 and shortly afterwards in Japan on May 25 is a service which allows cross-platform multiplayer gaming between PCs and Xbox 360s in compatible games that so far include Halo 2 and Shadowrun:

"I believe the PC gaming market in Japan has been under-developed. We hope to revitalize that market in Japan, and that will in turn create momentum for Xbox 360," said Takashi Sensui.”

Although Windows is the most widely used platform for gaming in the world, the Japanese market is traditionally more concerned with console gaming. This, in addition to the fact that a premium subscription to Gaming for Windows - Live is charged at approximately $50 USD a year might still make the region more difficult to crack than Sensui believes.

Gamng for Window - Live will be available in any country where Microsoft is already supporting the Xbox 360's Live service Although you'll have to pay for the premium, Gold membership, the Silver membership won't cost you a bean, lacking content exclusive to the subscription-based service of course.