Apple Postpones iPad 2 Launch in Japan

With Japan facing a mounting crisis in the wake of last week’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, Apple has decided to postpone the launch of the iPad 2 in the country.

“We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster,” spokesperson Nat Kerris told me. “Our hearts go out to the people of Japan, including our employees and their families, who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.” The Japanese debut of the iPad had been slated for March 25, the device’s international launch day. Its new launch date has not yet been set.

Apple backed up its words of sympathy and concern with action. Via email to Kevin Rose, an employee at one of Apple’s Tokyo stores told how the retail outlets stayed open and became public communication centers after the quake and how Apple took care of its workers.