iTunes in Japan - why aren't TV programs from the US available ?

Question

iTunes in Japan - why aren't TV programs from the US available ?

Hello, iTune in Japan doesn't really cater for the expat non-Japanese community. For example, if during signup, you state your country is Japan, the only language offered is Japanese, and only Japanese shows are offered for download.

Why is it that we can not purchase TV Shows from the U.S. / U.K. or other English speaking locations ?

Windows XP Pro

Posted on Sep 16, 2006 9:24 PM

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Answer 1

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Sep 16, 2006 9:41 PM in response to david_wild_2006

International copyright laws.
If you have US address and US credit card with a US billing address, you can purchase from the US store.

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Answer 2

Sep 18, 2006 5:09 AM in response to Chris CA

Would be interested if you could elaborate a bit ?

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Answer 3

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Sep 18, 2006 7:37 AM in response to david_wild_2006

Apple sells only where it is allowed.
If the copyright owner does not allow it to be sold in Japan, Apple will not sell it in Japan.

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Answer 4

Hamboni

Level 1

0 points

Sep 18, 2006 8:46 AM in response to david_wild_2006

Chris is right. I live half the year in Japan, half in US and have absolutely seamless iTunes viewing and download service when in Japan simply by accessing American iTunes site. You tie your service to your American address and a US credit card. It's easy.

To elaborate on the why, it's related to why there are regional codes on DVDs. US media companies want to strictly control how and when each region views and purchases their products. This gives them more $. To get back to what Chris said, in the Japanese market the vast majority of subscribers want Japanese content (music, film), these are owned by Japanese media companies and providers who want to control their market (read "turf") as well. Thus the digital fences. I don't like it either but it makes sense business-wise.

Gateway Windows XP

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