Details are currently thin on the ground, but a Universal spokesperson has confirmed that Phase I of the deal was given the thumbs up in the territory yesterday.

[UPDATE: "We can confirm that the Japanese Fair Trade Commission has unconditionally approved UMG's proposed acquisition of EMI Recorded Music," said the rep. "We are continuing to work constructively with regulators in other jurisdictions, and look forward to clearance elsewhere in due course."]

Japan's approval of the deal comes after a similar ...