Looks like Take-Two wants to be big in Japan.

Transparent Initial D references aside, Take-Two Interactive announced today that it plans to establish a stronger presence in Asia.  Hubert Larenaudie, a senior executive with more than 15 years of experience in building successful Asian-Pacific businesses, is now leading Take-Two's efforts as President of its new Asia branch, which is currently an office in Singapore. 

Prior to joining Take-Two, Larenaudie served as President of Asia Online at EA, and before that, he was President-Asia Pacific for Vivendi Universal Games. 

While with EA, he held senior positions in China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, which is definitely a good thing if he's going to help Take-Two achieve their top priorities in Asia: "expanding distribution in the Asia Pacific (APAC) for the Company’s interactive entertainment products; developing a strong presence in Japan; and establishing a meaningful online game operation, especially in China and Korea."

Larenaudie will be reporting to Gary Dale, Executive VP at Take-Two Interactive.

“Hubert Larenaudie is an experienced senior executive who has successfully built or expanded Asia Pacific operations for prominent interactive entertainment and consumer goods companies,” Dale said, “His in-depth knowledge of the region; his skill in creating the right product development, distribution and marketing strategy for each local market; and his track record of driving growth will help Take-Two realize the tremendous opportunities in APAC.”

Larenaudie himself seems equally confident.  He states, "With the Company’s portfolio of leading brands, growing sports business, extraordinary creative talent and global appeal, I see exciting potential to build a significant Asia Pacific business for Take-Two, with a particular emphasis on the online game segment of the market.”

Then again, what do you expect these corporate guys to say?  We'll just have to see how well they can back themselves.