The news comes days after Sony suggested the service will be in Japan by the end of December, after making its catalogue of tracks available via Recochoku, a distributor that is run by Japan's top labels.

Music Unlimited has launched today and will cost users 1,480 yen (circa $18.60) per month, but the company is offering an initial 30 day free trial.

Tim Schaaff, president of Sony Network Entertainment International said: "Bringing the cloud music subscription service to Japan, which ...