Whether americans want to believe it or not, Microsoft did this to boast Japan's 360's image, it wasn't for the U.S. If they thought Microsoft was doing this for them, they're crazy. Why else announce this IN JAPAN? But also, whether we want to believe it or not, It's image is also tarnished because of its american roots. buying the 360 helps america's economy, buying a PS3 helps Japans. you get the idea.
But personally, i think this announcement PISSED OFF Japanese Gamers because they're probably waiting for a Bigger PS3 JRPG Library before purchasing it, especially from S-E. But this annoucement that S-E sold out to Microsoft and has made exclusive or timed-exclusive JRPG's for 360 while still shunning what the Japanese want, it's probably pissing them off hard-core lol. I mean you've already tried big named JRPGs for 360 in Japan, it failed. Why not give PS3 to show it can sell them 2-3x more?? But no, these announcements keep pouring in to save the 360 in Japan and i think the japanese public are saying "WTF???. We don't want your stupid console, why do you keep torturing us???" lol. If it's going 360 exclusive and not multi-plat, you know they're gonna be pissed and end up boycotting their games until they realize it.
If Microsoft's goal is to keep doing this until they finally give in, the XBOX 720 will already be out and they'll still ignore it