Sony merges video game operations in Japan and Asia

Newsbrief: Sony merged its Japanese and Asian video game divisions this week, with a refreshed management lineup overseeing new planning and support units. As of April 1, Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Asia is headed up by Hiroshi Kawano, previously head of SCE Japan, while former SCE Asia head Hiroyuki Oda is now deputy president of SCE Japan Asia. As part of the move, the newly merged studio will provide sales strategy support, marketing and customer services for both Japanese and Asian territories. Sony previously shuffled the corporate structuring of its Japanese operations exactly a year ago, opening two separate divisions in the company and appointing Kawano to directly oversee SCEJ's business strategies.