I was talking to a japanese guy today, he told me that gaming is not really mainstream anymore in Japan like it was in the PS1 days. He said it has really flipped between US and Japan, in the 90's game were only for Teenage and below and nerds. Now gaming is very mainstream in the US, he said gaming in Japan is now for nerds and teens and under. It really makes sense when you look at sales. He says the only games adults are interested in are "very casual" games, like Brain Training, or any of the training games.
I believe this is cyclical and in 10 years Japan will be back in the core again.
End of 2009 Predictions (Set, January 1st 2009)
Wii- 72 million 3rd Year Peak, better slate of releases
360- 37 million Should trend down slightly after 3rd year peak
PS3- 29 million Sales should pick up next year, 3rd year peak and price cut
