Tokyo-based Internet service provider Softbank and New York-based News Corp. could announce the launch of a Japanese version of social networking site MySpace as early as this week, according to reports.
A Softbank-News Corp. 50/50 MySpace Japan joint venture has been rumored for some time, and the fact that News Corp. chairman/CEO Rupert Murdoch is currently in Tokyo for a conference of Japanese and British business leaders has given weight to speculation that he and Softbank president Masayoshi Son may announce MySpace Japan’s launch this week.
A MySpace spokesperson said, “We do not comment on rumors or speculation and will share news when we have it.”
Neither Softbank nor News Corp. replied to requests for confirmation of the report by press time.
