TOKYO - It's finally here. We've just witnessed the first shipments of PlayStation2 consoles being carried off the trucks and into stores. And the lines are getting longer.

　　Several stores in Akihabara have begun making room for all of the PlayStation2 merchandise that's currently arriving - one store actually offered up a whole wall to fill with PlayStation2 software. Others are keeping most of their stock in closed away areas and will be taking them out overnight. Every game store has filled its walls with PlayStation2 promotional material though - and it's certain that this system has a bundle of hype around it.

　　Television in Japan is currently inundated with PlayStation2 as well. We witnessed a commercial break featuring four PlayStation2 commercials in a row, including spots for Type-S and Ridge Racer V. And the system is all over the news. Guess what graced the front cover of one of yesterday's papers? Yup, the PlayStation2 - and the feature managed to take up the entire cover.

　　PlayStation2 madness has certainly begun here in Japan, and it's still only the morning before the system launches. Just wait until tomorrow when the launch officially takes place...