From Publishing Perspectives:
On September 15, when Sharp announced that it was suspending production and sales of its much hyped flagship e-reading tablets, called Galapagos, it was seen as proof that Japan would not able to develop an e-book market “in an isolated environment.” That Galapagos failed to survive the first year, many also took it that Sharp was abandoning the proprietary XMDF file format.
Why is this important to international readers? Let me explain.
RIP Galapagos
The XMDF e-book data format, developed by Sharp several years ago, was considered by many in the publishing industry to be the digital format best suited to publication of Japanese books and comics. Its development and promotion was funded by the government and it was widely supported by the major publishers. Many believed XMDF, not EPUB, might become the primary standard and serve as an effective hedge against the influx of foreign platforms and devices.
Hmm, they might be on to something: Japan’s Rakuten just bought Kobo, lock stock and barrel.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/kobo-sold-to-japans-rakuten/article2229733/
A big swing from spring:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/sony-panasonic-others-to-launch-cross-platform-e-book-service/