This year has been terrible for Japan (not trying to downplay the fantastic UK numbers here, though). I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like not a single title will be 1m+. VGC data simply doesn't go back far enough for me to find a comparably pathetic year. And this is worse by quite some margin. Add to that the effects of the Earthquake earlier in the year and I really think it's unfair to compare the two markets in a year like this. Of course, UK may be going through such a drought, too, but, to my limited knowledge, it isn't.
Does anyone have UK SW numbers for 2010?

Japan and UK Software Sales (2000-2010)

Source: Famitsu/GfK Chart-Track

Thanks. I had no idea that UK was already so ahead as a market, :O. It's been ahead three consecutive years and, since Western holidays are stronger, it'll likely be ahead this year as well.

2011 looks like a horrid year all round, though, since, barring a fantastic holiday, neither of them look like they'll really come close to 60m.

I import my games from the UK and I know a lot of others from the EU.. games are cheaper there then in mainland europe.. they also drop in price much faster in the UK..

The reason why UK software market is so close to Japanese one is probably because of used games market. Yes it exist also in UK but it is absolutely massive in Japan (probably because the country is so densely populated, no room to keep games around). Can't come up with other reasons as Japanese hardware market is still a lot bigger.

Japan Week 37
Software Sales: 800,000 (down 31%)
No. 1 Title: Dragon Quest 25th Anniversary (Wii)

UK Week 37
Software Sales: 519,000 (down 24%)
No. 1 Title: Dead Island (360)

Japan Week 38
Software Sales: 1,213,000 (up 52%)
No. 1 Title: Dark Souls (PS3)

UK Week 38
Software Sales: 907,000 (up 75%)
No. 1 Title: Gears of War 3 (360)

Even with Gears Japan takes pretty hefty victory this week.

FIFA will help UK to beat japan next week i guess

Japan kick's ass