PlayStation Store nears Japanese return

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Japan's PlayStation Network Store, absent since a security breach in April, will be returning to users on July 6.

The Store was reactivated in North America and Europe on June 3, with a Welcome Back package of free games and services offered to returning users.

As Sony's 30 day Welcome Back program draws to an end elsewhere, it's just starting for those accessing the Japanese PlayStation Network, with a choice of two from five PlayStation 3 games and another two from five PSP titles.

The Japanese promotion lists Echochrome, Hustler Kings, The Last Guy, LocoRoco Cocoreccho and Wipeout HD+Fury for those with PS3s.

On the PSP, there's Everybody's Stress Buster, LittleBigPlanet, Loco Roco: Midnight Carnival, Patapon 2 and For A Hero, You're Pretty Impudent 2 (aka What Did I Do To Deserve This, My Lord!? 2).

In common with other regions, Network users will be privy to 30 days' free usage of the PlayStation Plus service, a limited number of video rentals, and content for the PlayStation Home virtual world, as well as the Japan-specific Weekly ToroStation show.

The delay in resumption is thought to be a result of extra measures requested by the Japanese administration and financial institutions following the possible theft of personal data and credit card information.