About 60% of Japanese interested in e-magazines

A survey by a Japanese publishers' group shows that about 60 percent of potential digital magazine readers would be willing to pay for downloadable content.

The Japan Magazine Publishing Association in January surveyed people who took part in a test run for electronic magazines. More than 1,800 people responded.

Nearly 70 percent of the respondents said e-magazines would be easier to buy than print issues, and also that it would be easier to search for articles. 58 percent said they would pay for digital publications.

E-magazines are expected to grow in popularity in Japan as more contents become available for PCs and portable platforms such as Apple's iPad.