Since the release of the original Xbox, Microsoft's weakest market for console hardware and software was Japan. While seeing impressive sales numbers in the U.S. and acceptable numbers in Europe, Japan and the rest of the Pacific Rim never caught on to either of the American consoles.

Until now.

Ever since Microsoft's Tokyo press conference a few months back, Xbox 360 sales have (supposedly) increased 500 percent in Japan (it's also up 200 percent in the U.S. and Europe). The growth is reportedly driven by a solid library of third-party RPG titles. Tales of Vesperia and the promise of Final Fantasy XIII caused the 360 to sell out in Japan, a first for Microsoft. The shortage of consoles was so bad, Microsoft actually issued a formal apology to consumers in Japan.

According to Kotaku, Aaron Greenberg, Xbox 360 group marketing manager, said "it was totally legit. The demand for the console shot up suddenly. How can you plan for that?" Greenberg added. "Everything we're making, we're selling straight through. The only machines we're not selling have dents in them or have been accidentally damaged." Strong console sales are always good, but will the good news continue for Microsoft in the Far East? "I see no reason this sales trend won't continue," said Takashi Sensui, the head of Xbox Japan. As for selling out of consoles, "It's not good when customers cannot buy your product," said Sensui. With only "18 or so" consoles in the Japan warehouse, hopefully Microsoft will ramp up production as to not cause riots over FF XIII.

As for new titles, TGS 2008 finally brought the secret Bungie title out of the shadows. Halo 3: Recon will hit stores in fall of 2009, and is a prequel to Halo 3. This time, you do not play Master Chief, or any other Spartan for that matter. You play a Recon Marine who has just dropped into hostile territory. A new campaign is promised, which probably means a new multiplayer mode will be announced as well. While Halo 3: Recon and Halo Wars may not be on the minds of Japanese gamers, you can bet that a fervor will be worked up here in the States over Master Chief and his ODST friends (that's Orbital Drop Shock Troops for you Halo haters out there).

Look for the Halo 3: Recon trailer and updates as they come in here on Tom's Games.

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