When Hulu launched in Japan last year, we thought the monthly subscription price of ¥1,480 — around $20 at the time — was a little steep. It turns out potential customers may have felt the same, as Hulu has announced this week that it is dropping the monthly cost in Japan to ¥980 (just over $12). Given that Hulu doesn't offer a free version of the service in Japan, the move seems clearly designed to encourage broader adoption (Hulu Plus offered a similar stimulative price cut for US users back in 2010). Current subscribers aren't being hung out to dry either, with Hulu granting them a credit of ¥500 on their next bill.