November 12 for Japanese PS Vita Launch?

I'm not sure why but those cunning French always seem to get the inside details on anything coming out of Japan first, they were right about Wii and Wii U and now have a bead on the release date of the PS Vita in Japan. The date is Nov 12, which is rather gloomy for the rest of the world.

After various klunky PSP experiences (no comic store, no Skype on a Jap PSP) I won't bother getting an import this time, but will wait patiently until before March 31, which is the best time frame they offer for a western release.

If you are, then the console is supposed to be region free, but I suspect Sony will be looking to cock that up somehow before launch.