Japanese electronic book association formed

A total of 21 Japanese publishing companies have banded together to form the "Japan Electronic Publishing Association" (tentative name) in advance of the launch of a Japanese Kindle, The Mainichi Daily News is reporting.

The e-publishing association aims to establish a contract model for writers and online e-book stores, while serving as a mediator in negotiations between writers, e-book reader manufacturers and publishing firms. The group also plans to develop legislation for the secondary use of publications in the digital media.

The original Japanese language story is also available.