I agree that this is quite reasonable, but why does the 360 have a smaller difference

Supply Shortages!!  <- j/k

Good point, could be cause stores in Japan only have one 360 in stock per store??

Why do both consoles need to have the same amount sitting in stores? Oh, that's right, they don't. Remember PS3 demand has increased the last few months, especially since BR won the HD battle, so it makes sense they'd have more stock. Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. are pushing them more as a movie player than ever.

gebx is also right. Most likely way more PS3s than 360s sitting on shelves in Japan.

 Sony doesn't exactly need many in Japan! You would assume that they would have roughly the same margin, as that is defined by the retailers, not by Sony

 That seems like a massive overstocking of 360s in Japan...

I do wonder why the 360 was kept where it was in relation to the shipment figures. I have to trust ioi on this one though and figure there is a good reason. The current gap between shipped and sold for the PS3 seems fairly accurate. 

Why? Sony's consoles, not Microsoft's, are proven in Japan.  No way they'd have equal amount on shelves. 2 million in 1.5 years compared to 600k in 2.5 years.

Perhaps Japanese dwelling VGC members could supply anecdotal evidence. 

Just as a consideration, Sony's Hardware forecast for the next fiscal year was very modest for Sony at 10 Million units which could mean that they realize that they have a high unsold inventory of PS3 systems ...

He Shots... He Scores!!!

That would explain Sony's shipment estimates

 =p  Lolz....What is so wrong about Mediamarkt?