Amazon to launch Appstore for Android across Japan

Little over a month after the marketplace's debut in Europe, Amazon has unveiled plans to launch its Appstore for Android in Japan, with the firm now accepting apps for distribution in the region.

Details on Amazon's exact plans in Japan are currently scarce – its launch pencilled in for "later this year" - but the company claims its move on Asia is for the good of developers working within the Android ecosystem.

"Opening our portal to app and game developers looking to reach Japanese customers is an important milestone as we strive to serve consumers and developers globally," explained Amazon Appstore VP Jim Adkins.

"Many of our existing developers are anxious to localise their apps and games for Japanese consumers, and we look forward to working with new developers that have been waiting for a chance to bring their Japanese content to the Amazon platform."

The marketplace will now go toe-to-toe with Google Play in the country, itself boosted by the launch of Google's Nexus 7 tablet in Japan in September.

Amazon used the announcement as an opportunity to talk up its payment platform and 1-click purchasing capabilities, as well as the GameCircle features it offers in the form of leaderboard, achievements and save-game syncing.

[source: Amazon]