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According to AsiaTimesOnline.com, Google is planning to establish a research and developmental center located in Japan by June of 2004. The facility will be responsible for refining Google's search software to make it more user-friendly for the Japanese.

Rather than just localize the English version of Google, the R&D center will develop new content and features for their Japanese users. The reason for this is because of how keywords used for searches differ by region, even if searching for the same data.

The center will be in Google's Japanese unit, but will answer directly to the US center. Google figures to employ 5 engineers from the US and 10-15 Japanese engineers.

This marks Google's 3rd research and development facility located outside of the US.

Thanks to ResearchBuzz for the information.

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