Apple has opened the iBookstore in Japan. The store launches with a selection of Japanese language books and titles from Japanese publishers including: Kodansha, KADOKAWA, Bungeishunju, Gakken and Gentosha.

Here is more from the press release: “The iBookstore has a wide selection of emerging and established authors including Shyotaro Ikenami, Jiro Akagawa, Atsuko Asano and Ryu Murakami.” ”We’re excited to launch the iBookstore in Japan with a wide selection of Japanese publishers and authors,” stated Eddy Cue, SVP of Internet Software and Services at Apple. “We think customers are going to love how engaging and interactive the books are to read, and how beautiful they look on iPad.”

Apple is not the first to the Japanese marketplace. Last summer, the Canadian eBook store Kobo opened its eBook store in Japan followed by Amazon who launched Kindle Japan last October.

TVNewser senior editor Alex Weprin discussed the news on the Morning Media Menu today. Press play below to listen…