U.S. online person-to-person trading community eBay Inc. announced the launch Monday of a Japanese-language Web site with more than 800 merchandise categories.
eBay Japan ( ebayjapan.co.jp ) follows the eBay business model, with the company charging a nominal fee for listing an item on the site and receiving a percentage of the final sale price.
In Japan, there will be a 30 yen to 240 yen charge for listing an item and a 1.25 percent to 5 percent transaction fee on all completed sales, depending on the price level, the company said.
To kick-start eBay's entry into the Japanese market, the company recently announced a joint venture agreement with NEC Corp. and its Biglobe Internet service provider.
As part of the agreement, NEC will take an equity stake in eBay Japan K.K. and promote the site through online and conventional marketing campaigns.
"We feel that the launch of eBay Japan is a milestone in the company's international expansion, bringing the excitement and fun of the online auction format to the world's second biggest Internet market," said Merle Okawara, president of eBay Japan K.K.
"eBay Japan is a unique service, providing Japanese consumers with access to a global community of active online buyers and sellers, whether they be in Tokyo, Osaka, London or New York," Okawara said.