I spent a big chunk of time with Microsoft Japan at the Tokyo Game Show. We discussed a wide range of topics, from sales, to the Xbox's place in Japan, to games like Titanfall and Forza, and much more.  The full interview will go live some time early next week (there's a lot to trascribe). 

One bit of Microsoft's angle in particular might stand out. With only about 1.7 million console sales in Japan to date (according to Media Create), I asked about how Microsoft might increase sales during the next console generation.  I was met with an unexpected reply, in which Naoyuki Isogai, Director of Xbox Marketing, said,

"Well, first, I am not allowed to say the exact number. But, I wouldn't say that Xbox 360 sales were low.  To some people it was low, but to us, each user means so much [as an underdog company]. An individual user is very important to us, so even though the numbers might not be as high as some other systems, we will continue to show support to Japan.  We will try to increase the number of course. Every company will. But our individual fans are important enough that we'll continue here."

For reference, the Xbox 360 has sold 1.7 million units in Japan since its launch in late 2005. Its same-generation console competitors, the Wii and PS3 have domestically sold 12.7 million and 9.5 million units, respectively. Numbers come via the most trusted source of sales figures in Japan, Media Create.

It's a big interview, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Watch for it next week on GameRevolution.

http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/ms-says-xbox-360-sales-were-not-low-in-japan-21663

It does represent massive gen on gen growth for MS.

GC-->Wii = 315% growth
PS2-->PS3 = -60% growth
XB-->360 = 311% growth

Won't be repeated for Xb one though.

Compared to last gen X360 did very well but considering all their effort the sales is still very low.

His comments are as expected. He is showing great respect for the Japanese customers, and that will be well received in the Japanese media. Besides that, what are they supposed to say? They can't blame the Japanese people and they don't want to make it sound like it is their own fault, so they are left just saying they did good.

Nope, extremely low seems more accurate!

One thing forgotten comparing the sales of this gen vs last is the time frame covered. Xbox was on sale for about 3 years. 360 has been on sale for 8 years now! So, no, there is virtually no significant increase in 360 sales!

Note : 1.7 million / 8 = about 212 K
or take one year out still
1.7 million / 7 = about 243 K
still very low!

182 isn't a low number then ?
The progression from Xbox to 360 is noticeable, but then again it's still insufficient.

They have extremely low standards then

Now that is some amazing spin. Bravo, and I mean that. Masterfully done.

It's pretty obvious they aren't giving up, as there seem to be a few XO exclusives being worked on by Japanese developers. The money is still flowing. It won't matter much, however, unless they're able to convince everyone else to go multi-platform, otherwise the PS4 will get a ton of 'exclusives' for free. That's what killed the 360.

If they're really serious about Japan, they'll go around and say, "hey, we'll pay for an XO version, just build it and send us the bill."

They may need to make the controller a bit smaller too. I don't think the Xbone will have that much of a chance there.