ITOCHU Corporation began on March 5 to sell the first six audiobooks of English/Japanese editions of Shinichi Hoshi's ‘The Whimsical Robot’ Collection at iTunes Store (in 22 countries including Japan, the USA and the UK) and at four other online distribution sites (mora, mora win, OnGen and Listen Japan). (RRP:¥300 each (incl. sales tax)) These audiobooks are the first to be released on a global level outside of Japan.

First Digital Audiobooks of Shinichi Hoshi's Short Short Stories

12 titles (6 Japanese and 6 English editions) taken as the first group of works from Shinichi Hoshi's most representative ‘The Whimsical Robot’ short story collection have been developed as the first audiobooks for digital distribution of the works of this key Japanese novelist. The Japanese edition is read by the actor Ren Osugi, while the English edition was translated by Hoshi's daughter, Marina Hoshi Whyte, and read by Patrick Harlan. Both the Japanese and English editions are oral storytelling with unique voice acting, sound effects and background music all included.

Simultaneous Distribution at iTunes Store in 22 Countries

The Japanese and English editions of these works are being sold simultaneously at iTunes Stores in 22 countries. Taking Japanese digital audiobooks overseas has been a goal of the ITOCHU audiobook operation from its initial market entry in May 2007, and this represents the first such installment. We hope to bring our high-quality Japanese products to people throughout the world for their enjoyment and pleasure.

Contents Outline

Sales Site Details

Overseas iTunes Store

The overseas iTunes Store selling the 12 titles of Hoshi's Parables ‘The Whimsical Robot’ Collection are listed below in no particular order.

• USA
• UK
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Portugal
• Austria
• Norway
• New Zealand
• Holland
• Luxembourg
• Italy
• Ireland
• Greece
• France
• Finland
• Spain
• Germany
• Denmark
• Canada
• Belgium
• Australia

• 2012
• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007
• 2006
• 2005
• 2004