According to Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai, Sony will be maintaining the availability of the 20GB and 60GB models of the PlayStation 3 in Japan.

1UP has translated an interview with the SCE President from the latest Weekly Famitsu, and in that interview Hirai was asked about potential future price drops for the PS3. In his reply, Hirai mentions “keeping the 20GB and 60GB” systems.

When there are more games on the console and the unit itself has also shipped a fair number, one trend is that we are able to reduce the costs. When games of different genres have been released, some of these will appeal to the masses and this is when we have to consider a pricing which would appeal to these types of audiences. This is a common trend so the PS3 doesn’t need to go against such trends. By keeping the 20GB and 60GB, we are leaving as many options as possible for the consumers to choose from.

Seeing as how this was a Japanese language interview, Hirai surely meant that these two models would continue to be available in Japan, and not necessarily outside of the country. It’s not clear if the models he’s referring to are older stock or newly made systems, but it’s a shame that the 20GB model was discontinued in the US. Having that available now at a lower price point would probably do Sony some good.

OK, there is hope in Sony marketing. So far we’ve been happy with the new PS3 ads in the States and these Japanese ads are endearing — now if only we could scrub the PS3 Euro ads from our minds.We’re not exactly sure what’s being said (as our well-paid Japanese translator is in partying in Ibiza), but we’re sure our trusty comment crew can come up with some answers. We have a basic idea of what’s being said in the ad above (the others can be found after the break), as the father is convincing the mother that buying Ratchet and Clank for their son is a good idea — of course, in the last scene, it’s the father playing the game as the son tries to take the controller away from him. We’re just happy there isn’t any cup-stacking, bike-riding or defecating women in these ads. These PS3 ads have people talking, a little bit of game footage, and then people playing the system. Keep it simple, stupid.