Amazon Prime Instant Video to launch in Japan next month

Amazon is preparing to expand its Prime Instant Video service into Japan.Netflix isn’t the only streaming service that has its sights set on Japan. Rival Amazon will launch Prime Instant Video in the country next month.

The expansion, which will come at no extra charge for members to the free-shipping program, enables the streaming service to have a hand in the Japanese market just as its main competitor Netflix is set to launch in the country Sept. 2.

Amazon Prime members in Japan will have access to popular Japanese and U.S. dramas, anime series, music concerts and variety shows — as well as Amazon Studios’ slate of original series such as “Transparent” and “Mozart in the Jungle” and new…