Sony: aims to launch Japan e-book content service

TOKYO May 27 (Reuters) - Sony Corp (6758.T) said on Thursday it plans to launch an e-book content distribution service in Japan by the end of the year, aiming for a chunk of the promising electronic book market.

The move comes just a day before rival Apple Inc (AAPL.O) launches its much-hyped iPad in Japan.

Sony said the new service will offer comics, magazines, newspapers, as well as books online.

Sony will set up a planning company on July 1 for the service and will hold 25 percent of the firm. KDDI Corp (9433.T), Toppan Printing Co (7911.T), and the Asahi Shimbun newspaper will also hold 25 percent each in the company, Sony said. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka, Writing by Sachi Izumi)